House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said Wednesday he will not run for reelection next year, ending a fast-rising political career, at least for now.

“After long consultation with my family and prayerful consideration, I have decided I will not be a candidate for any office in 2018,” he wrote on Facebook. “I have made a personal decision to return to the private sector.”

The move by the highly ambitious politician came as a shock to many in Washington. Chaffetz defeated a more moderate GOP incumbent in a 2008 primary and rose to prominence as a fierce inquisitor of President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He also was seen as a possible candidate for the Senate.

“I have long advocated public service should be for a limited time and not a lifetime or full career,” he wrote. “After more than 1,500 nights away from my home, it is time. I may run again for public office, but not in 2018.”