Just as we were getting to know him, he’s leaving — and, for the third time in the past half decade, Lawrence County will see a different person representing it in Congress.

U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, announced this week that he will not seek re-election next year.

Wenstrup, 65, who represents the state’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Lawrence County, has served in Congress since 2013.

Lawrence County has been in Wenstrup’s district since January, after lines were redrawn in state redistricting efforts.

Previously, the county was presented by U.S. Rep Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, of the state’s 6th District.

Wenstrup made the announcement of his retirement in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, stating he would be stepping down to spend more time with his family.

Wenstrup’s announcement came the same day another longtime congressman also said he would not seek reelection next year. Derek Kilmer, a Democrat who represents the 6th District in Washington, cited similar reasons as Wenstrup in reaching his decision, noting the numerous family events he has missed due to his work in the House.

Kilmer served in the Washington State legislature before he was first elected to his House seat in 2012.

They are among nearly two dozen House members to announce they won’t be running again in 2024.

— The Associated Press contributed to this story