Another Democrat is bowing out of politics. On Thursday, North Carolina Democrat Rep. G.K. Butterfield announced he’s retiring ahead of next year’s 2022 midterms.

The Daily Wire reports:

“It is time for me to retire and allow the torch to be passed to someone who shares the values of the district and can continue the work I have labored so hard for the past 18 years,” Butterfield announced in a video posted to his official YouTube channel.

“I am proud of my work in Congress on behalf of my constituents, and I know that my life’s work of fighting for greater fairness and equity will not cease, even after the close of the 117th Congress,” Butterfield added.

Butterfield was elected to the House of Representatives in a special election in 2004, representing North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. He is the Senior Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, appointed this year to replace the late Congressman John Lewis. He currently serves on the House Energy & Commerce and Administration Committees. He also served stints on the House Armed Services, Agriculture, and Ethics Committees. Notably, he served as the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2015 to 2017.

Before he made the announcement officially, there was significant speculation from local news outlets that Butterfield was considering retirement. Butterfield was used to winning his district by comfortable margins, but because of redistricting, his race has become a toss-up, since a smaller share of the black voters who propelled him to those margins will be included in the redrawn district. “While I am hopeful that the courts will ultimately overturn this partisan map and see that a fair map is enacted, I have made the difficult decision that I will not seek reelection to the United States House of Representatives,” Butterfield said in his retirement announcement.

Will Republicans manage to flip Butterfield’s district in next year’s elections? Tell us what you think in the comments below!