Tennessee’s Sen. Alexander to retire

After roughly a quarter century in elected office, U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander will retire, marking an end to one of the most remarkable political careers in Tennessee history.

The former Republican governor, who has served in the Senate since first being elected in 2002, said Monday that he will not seek a fourth term in the upper chamber.

“I will not be a candidate for re-election to the United State Senate in 2020,” Alexander said in a statement announcing his decision.

He thanked the people of Tennessee, calling them generous.

“I am deeply grateful, but now it is time for someone else to have that privilege,” said Alexander, who has served in roles ranging from governor and U.S. senator to leading the U.S. Department of Education and the University of Tennessee.

Alexander’s decision means that for the second time in two years, Tennessee will have an open U.S. Senate race.

Like U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who last year declined to run for a third term, Alexander’s announcement will send shockwaves throughout Tennessee’s political landscape.