U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of Texas Retiring From Congress
The last black GOP Congressman retires.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House’s last black Republican member, Rep. Will Hurd of Helotes, announced Thursday that he is retiring from Congress. President Donald Trump’s racist comments about elected officials weighed heavily on Hurd, who has often spoken out against the rhetoric.
Hurd’s unexpected retirement immediately sent shockwaves through the Republican Party — and elicited confidence from Democrats eager to win his sprawling district that stretches from just outside El Paso to San Antonio and includes a large portion of the Texas-Mexico border. Hurd is the third Republican Texas congressman to announce their retirement in recent days. U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Midland, announced his this week. U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, announced his last week.
Hurd alluded to future plans but provided no specifics in his own announcement Thursday.