Senator Andy Berke announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election to the State Senate District 10 seat he has held since 2007.
He has not announced his future political plans, but there is much speculation that he may run in the Chattanooga mayoral race.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Hamilton and Marion Counties for the last five years,” he said. “My family and I owe a great debt of gratitude to those I have had the privilege to represent.”
Senator Berke was first elected in a November 2007 special election with 63 percent of the vote.
He won re-election in 2008 with 71 percent of more than 66,000 votes cast.
During his time in the State Senate, Senator Berke has remained a voice for bipartisan, results-based leadership that serves all Tennesseans. He has passed legislation to increase government efficiency, support veterans and their families, protect victims of domestic violence, and bolster education through the Complete College Act and Race to the Top.
Senator Berke also helped bring Volkswagen to Chattanooga, a move that has produced nearly 10,000 jobs in the region and an annual income increase of more than $500 million during a national economic recession. He is currently working to secure support for small business owners and put unemployed Tennesseans back to work before his term ends in November.
“Although I am not running for re-election, I am dedicated to growing jobs in our area and working on issues that affect my neighbors,” he said. “I am excited to continue to serve Southeast Tennessee, and I look forward to new challenges and opportunities.”