Rep. Bill Jenkins is not seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, he announced Wednesday.

U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bryant said, “I have known my good friend Bill Jenkins for many years and had the pleasure of serving with Bill for six years in the House of Representatives, where he has tirelessly worked on behalf of his constituents.

“From his historic service as the only Republican Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives in the 20th century, to his work on the TVA board, the numerous civic activities he performs in Tennessee, and as a Circuit Court judge, Bill Jenkins has not only been a great public servant, but is a great man as well.

“I know that his constituents will miss his service to the First District, and I wish him and Kathryn the very best in the future.”

Bob Corker, another U.S. Senate contender, said, “The distinguished career of Bill Jenkins exemplifies the true meaning of public service. Congressman Jenkins has been steadfast in his commitment to our conservative Tennessee principles and in his devotion to helping those he represents. His leadership in the first district and throughout the State of Tennessee will be greatly missed and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”

U.S. Senate candidate Van Hilleary said, "For decades Bill Jenkins has served his community from the Courthouse, to the State House, to the U.S. House. He has had a distinguished career and is a true public servant. Tennesseans have benefited from his service and sacrifice. Our Party will continue to benefit from his leadership and counsel. After a life time of service he and Kathryn deserve to spend time enjoying their wonderful children and grandchildren. Meredith and I thank them for their service and wish the entire Jenkins family the best."

Sen. Lamar Alexander said, “Tennessee has rarely produced a public servant as broad-gauged as Bill Jenkins: farmer, speaker of the House, TVA director, member of Congress. We owe him and his family a great debt for his years of service.”

Sen. Bill Frist said, “No one cares mores deeply about the people of the First District than Bill Jenkins. His heart and soul lie in the values of upper East Tennessee, and he has been a tireless advocate for the region throughout his five terms in Congress. I will miss his wise counsel and the commonsense approach he always adopted when tackling the issues facing our nation.

“Bill’s decision to retire will end a long tradition of public service. As a judge, member of the TVA board, speaker of the state House, and congressman, Bill has devoted much of his life to the people of Tennessee. Because it is deeply ingrained in his character and countless accomplishments, the spirit of Bill’s public career will live on for years to come.”

Sen. Ron Ramsey said, “Congressman Bill Jenkins has done an absolutely wonderful job in Congress just as he has done throughout his many years of public service in all three branches of government at all three levels – local, state, and federal. We are sad to learn that he will not seek re-election. We wish him many long years of a well-earned retirement.

“I am going to continue to focus on my family, my work, and the state Senate. I believe that right now I can best serve the people of Northeast Tennessee by keeping my focus on the state Senate where I serve as Majority Leader. As a result, I will NOT be running for the First Congressional seat this fall.”