TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Representative Fred Patton, a Republican from Topeka, announced that he will be leaving the state Legislature on Monday.

Patton, who’s served in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2015, sent a statement to Kansas Capitol Bureau, confirming his intention to leave on October 16.

“Serving our community and our families has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Patton wrote. “Now is the time for me to focus on my community involvement, to give more attention to my law practice, and, most importantly, to enjoy these next few years with our family as our sons start their own careers and before our daughter goes off to college.”

Patton, who also serves as the Chair of the House Committee on Rules and Journal, said that the next representative will have an extra year of experience with him leaving now. He said that he’s hoping that his district will maintain a “strong position of advocacy” for families, schools and businesses.

As for who will take Patton’s place in the Legislature, a spokeswoman for the Kansas House of Representatives said it will be up to precinct committee members to choose his successor.

See full statement below:

“After two decades of elected public service, I am announcing my intent to step away from my seat in the Kansas House of Representatives effective October 16th. Serving our community and our families has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Now is the time for me to focus on my community involvement, to give more attention to my law practice, and, most importantly, to enjoy these next few years with our family as our sons start their own careers and before our daughter goes off to college.

I’m proud of what we have accomplished this past decade in the Legislature. The things I set out to do in this role were to better our business climate, support our local schools, and give Northern Shawnee County a strong voice in the Statehouse. By leaving now and giving our next representative an extra year of experience, it is my hope our district will retain some seniority and continue to hold a strong position of advocacy for our families, our schools, and our businesses.

Thank you for the privilege of serving. I will forever value the support you have given me in this role, your friendship, and your willingness to join me in my commitment to furthering our community and the entire State of Kansas. I look forward to working with the next representative our district chooses through this transition, and to remaining engaged in our community’s future like I have always been.”

Statement from Fred Patton, Representative for the 50th House District