John Campbell, GOP Congressman, Retiring After Current Term

GOP Rep Announces Retirement
Representative John Campbell, a Republican from California, listens during an interview in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Campbell plans to offer a bill that would shrink the biggest lenders by requiring them to hold more capital, and other lawmakers plan to offer legislation similarly designed to end too-big-to-fail banks. Photographer: Julia Schmalz/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Representative John Campbell, a Republican from California, listens during an interview in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Campbell plans to offer a bill that would shrink the biggest lenders by requiring them to hold more capital, and other lawmakers plan to offer legislation similarly designed to end too-big-to-fail banks. Photographer: Julia Schmalz/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.) announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of his current term.

"At the end of this term, I will have spent 14 years serving in full-time, elected politics." Campbell said in a statement. "I am not nor did I ever intend to be a career politician. I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life."

Campbell, who represents California's 45th District, first made his announcement on the Hugh Hewitt radio show.

The Republican was first elected to represent his conservative-leaning Orange County district in a 2005 special election. Prior to his congressional career, Campbell was an executive at several Orange County car dealerships.

"Drive fast and live free," Campbell said in his statement, invoking his automotive roots.

According to FlashReport's Jon Fleischman, California state Sen. Mimi Walters (R) will seek the seat in 2014.

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