Daniel Webster

Florida GOP Rep. Daniel Webster on Tuesday announced he will not seek reelection, making him the 36th House Republican to retire at the end of the current congressional term.

Webster, 77, said in a statement that “the time has come to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more precious time with my wife, children and 24 grandchildren,” The Hill reported.

“There is much work left to do before this Congress closes and I am fully focused on finishing strong. This year, the Transportation and Infrastructure is working on once-in-a decade critical transportation reauthorization bill that will fund America’s roads and highways, bridges, transit and our rail system,” he said.

“I will keep working to get bills over the finish line that will leverage private investment to finance public infrastructure projects; ensure America — not China or any other adversary — remains the leader in space exploration; and that the United States will set the standards that protect our technological advantages,” Webster added.

Of the retiring House Republicans, 10 are running for governor, and one is running for Texas attorney general. There are also eight GOP Congress members who are running for Senate.