CHICO, Calif., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Rep. Wally Herger, R-Calif., announced his retirement Tuesday after 13 terms representing the Sacramento Valley in Congress and state Legislature.
Herger, 66, said he plans to spend time at home after years of traveling as a politician.
"We want to spend more time with the grandkids," Herger said in a telephone interview with McClatchy Newspapers. "We just think it's time to begin spending more time with our family."
A native of Rio Oso in Sutter County, Herger won his first election to a school board position and followed with a seat on the state Assembly in 1980. He was elected to his current House seat representing the newly renumbered 1st Congressional district in 1986, McClatchy reported.
"It's the end of an era," said former Rep. John Doolittle, R-Calif. "Wally's been running for office every other year since 1980, and it's wearing, year after year, to do that. I think his life is about to get much better."
Herger gave his "endorsement and full support" to state Sen. Doug LaMalfa, who says he plans to run for the vacant seat that represents much of the northern part of California.
"We're moving forward with the campaign," LaMalfa said. "We're already in pretty good shape with the (district's) constituents already knowing me."
U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., said Saturday he has decided not to seek a 14th term in office.
