Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.), who represents Kentucky's Fourth District, resigned from Congress on Tuesday.
In a letter submitted to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, Davis cited a family "health issue" as the reason for his unexpected departure:
"When I was a Cadet at West Point, I internalized the words of the U.S. Military Academy's motto, 'Duty, Honor, Country.' Next, I learned that success was based on honoring God, Family, and Work, in that order.
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"Those priorities continue to guide my decisions. Recently, a family health issue has developed that will demand significantly more of my time to assist. As a result, I cannot continue to effectively fulfill my obligations to both my office and my family. Family must and will come first.
"Therefore, I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives effective at close of business on July 31, 2012.
“I have served with great men and women in the Congress in both parties, and leave knowing that the House is filled with people who love this country and are working to make our future better. I am grateful to have been blessed by being a part of this great institution."
Davis, who was elected in 2004, had previously announced that he would not seek re-election this fall.
“In order to devote more time to my family, I have decided not to seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives,” Davis said in a statement released last December.
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