After only one term in office, Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns will announce later today that he will not seek re-election in 2014:
Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns is set to retire.
He will leave the Senate after his term ends in 2014.
Johanns, who is heading back to Nebraska this morning, began to make telephone calls to key supporters, letting them know of his decision, several sources said.
The former Nebraska governor and Lincoln mayor was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008.
Johanns confirmed the rumors in an email blast this morning, in which he said he wanted a “quieter time” to focus on his family and his faith.
“During these many years, we have cherished our time together. So as we think about the next stage of our lives, we want a quieter time with our focus on each other, our family and our faith. We are also confident that there will be many more opportunities to serve our state and our nation,” said Johanns in a prepared statement.
Given that this is only Johanns’ first term, this is somewhat of a surprise. In any case, it means another open seat in Nebraska in 2014. Given the political makeup of the state at this point, I’d say it’s a likely Republican hold at this point.
H/T: Taegan Goddard
