U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) announced on Friday that he will not run for re-election:
Senator Lamar Alexander said, “Phil Roe has been a champion for veterans, for students and for common sense in government.
"His background as a practicing physician has been crucial to our work to lower health care costs.
I value his friendship and will miss his leadership in the Congress.”
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said, “I want to commend my close friend and colleague Congressman Phil Roe for his work on behalf of the great state of Tennessee and the United States for the past 11 years. Those of us privileged to serve alongside Phil in Congress are well aware that he is an effective legislator, a defender of justice for all, and an advocate for East Tennesseans across his district and the country.
“Phil served our country well both during his time in the United States Army Medical Corps overseas and in Washington. As chairman and then Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Phil spearheaded efforts to increase access to care for those who have sacrificed in defense of our nation. With his medical background, he led the Republican Study Committee’s Health Care Task Force to establish new protections for patients from the increase of medical costs. His immense contributions to our nation can be widely felt in the Volunteer State and are lauded by all who have benefited from his tireless advocacy.
“Phil’s legacy will last long after his tenure in Congress comes to a close. All those who worked with Phil will miss him dearly, and I am thankful to have known him as a close friend. I wish he, his wife Clarinda, and his three children, all the best.”
Prior to serving in Congress, Phil Roe served as the mayor of Johnson City from 2007 to 2009 and vice mayor from 2003 to 2007. He ran a successful medical practice in Johnson City for 31 years, delivering close to 5,000 babies. He has three children - David C. Roe, John Roe, and Whitney Larkin - and is a grandfather. He and his wife, Clarinda, live in Jonesborough, and he is a member of Munsey United Methodist Church.