Rep. Jonathan Stickland, a conservative stalwart in the Texas House of Representatives and often maligned by the press for his refusal to play by the unwritten rules, announced his is not seeking re-election.

Stickland, who after eight years passed his first major bill, to end red light camera ticketing in Texas, announced he would be returning to life as an activist — something he considers to be a far more effective role for him .

Below is from his campaign Facebook account:

What a ride we’ve had together!

Friends, I find it very hard to put into words what an incredible honor it has been to represent you as your State Representative for four terms. Your love and support have carried us as we fought for our Christian, conservative values in Austin.

Eight years was enough for George Washington, and it certainly is for me. After much prayerful consideration and reflection, I have determined it is not the Lord’s will for me to seek reelection. Instead, I intend to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and my business.

It was never my intention to grow old in office. I don’t want to turn into what we’ve been fighting and become part of the establishment. When I first considered running, I dreamt of one day leaving on my own terms, not being rejected by my neighbors after staying for too long or losing sight of the values they sent me to defend. I am thankful that I’m now blessed with the opportunity to do just that. A Constitutional Republic can only succeed and flourish with citizen legislators- not career politicians.

While a part of me will miss aspects of serving in Austin, I must admit, I look forward to gaining some of our personal lives back. Thoughts of future vacations, rejoining the choir, teaching at church and home school co-op, and growing my business, fill my heart with joy.

This is not goodbye. This is just a new chapter for the Stickland family. The fight and defense of liberty never stops for us, it will just take a different shape. You have my word that I will do everything I can to ensure that our community has conservative representation.

Praise and thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who takes a sinner like me and still showers me with grace. Everything that I am is only because of Him.

To my love, constant supporter, and wife, Krissy… thank you. I can’t wait to grow even closer with you.

My beautiful daughters, Andie and Carlie, I love you so much. Daddy can’t wait to give you more time.

Mom, Dad, sisters, in-laws, grandparents, nieces and nephews: thank you for your continued support. You’ve all sacrificed to allow me to serve and helped keep all of our trains running on time in so many ways.

To the thousands of you who have donated, walked, prayed, campaigned, voted, and loved us from the beginning till the end, thank you. I hope it was worth your efforts and that you are proud of our accomplishments. We can never say thank you enough.

For Texas and Liberty,

Jonathan Stickland

#Onward