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Sen. Mike Enzi Won't Seek A Fifth Term

Catherine Wheeler

U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming) announced he will not seek reelection in 2020. Enzi announced his decision to a small group in Gillette City Hall on Saturday.

Enzi has served in the Senate for 22 years. He started his political career as Gillette's mayor in 1975. He's also served in both chambers of the state legislature.

Enzi is the current chair of the Senate Budget Committee and is the former head and ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee.

At the announcement, Enzi chronicled his years in the Senate, speaking of his bipartisan efforts to make laws.

"My first bill passed unanimously. The last bill - so far - passed unanimously. Most of my bills have 15 or less votes in opposition which is very bipartisan," he said on Saturday.

Enzi said that he still has plenty of work left to do and that he shouldn’t "be written off."

"I want to be able to focus on budget reform to get control of our national debt. I want to do several small business initiatives. I need to protect and diversify Wyoming's job. I don't want to be burdened with the distractions of a campaign," he said.

Enzi said he wants to step back and spend time watching his grandchild grow up.

"I was able to see my kids grow up before I went in the Senate. Now I want some grandkid time. I will continue to be the workhorse for Wyoming that you expect me to be through this term," he said.

Enzi thanked his wife, Diana, and his family for their support throughout his career.

Enzi's announcement leaves his seat open for the 2020 election. Enzi did not say who he would like to see fill his seat.

"Typically when it's an open seat, the delegation doesn't take sides. The voters get to decide," he said.

Enzi added, laughing, he thinks the voters have done an excellent job for the last 22 years. 

Catherine Wheeler comes to Wyoming from Kansas City, Missouri. She has worked at public media stations in Missouri and on the Vox podcast "Today, Explained." Catherine graduated from Fort Lewis College with a BA in English. She recently received her master in journalism from the University of Missouri. Catherine enjoys cooking, looming, reading and the outdoors.
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