Michigan Republican to retire

Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) will retire at the end of 2016, adhering to a term-limit pledge he made during his first campaign.

{mosads}Benishek said earlier this year he would run for reelection, despite promising only to serve three terms upon his first election in 2010.

Benishek didn’t offer an explanation for his term-limit reversal in a Tuesday statement announcing his retirement plans.

“Today I’m announcing that I won’t seek re-election next year, which will allow me to focus my time and attention on helping our veterans and working to make things better for the families and workers throughout Northern Michigan, and devote more time to my family,” Benishek said.

Benishek’s retirement will now open up a potential Democratic target for the 2016 cycle. 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R) won the district by 8 points in 2012, but the seat was previously represented by Democrat Bart Stupak.

Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Lon Johnson is already in the race. Jerry Cannon, a Democrat who lost to Benishek in 2014, is also seeking a rematch.

Benishek is the seventh House member to announce their retirement this year. Another GOP member of the Michigan delegation, House Administration Committee Chairwoman Candice Miller, also plans not to seek reelection.

–This report was updated at 11:51 a.m.