U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer said he won’t seek re-election for an eighth term in U.S. House District 19.

The 19th district runs from Lubbock to Abilene and includes one of the largest cotton-growing regions of the world.

“There will be a lot of speculation on why I came to this decision,” Neugebauer told Agri-Pulse. “Some will say it’s health reasons; I feel great and I am cancer-free. The bottom line is I really think this is the right time for my family and me to have more time together.”

House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conaway noted Neugebauer’s contribution to the ag committee. Neugebauer serves as vice chairman.

“Randy has been an outstanding voice for West Texas and a great conservative leader on Capitol Hill. It has been a pleasure working alongside him both on the Agriculture Committee and in our neighboring districts in Texas. Among many other accomplishments, he was instrumental in developing the 2014 Farm Bill and has provided invaluable wisdom and insight as vice chairman of the committee. Randy is man of integrity, faith and courage, and he will be missed by his colleagues. I wish him and his wife Dana the best in their next adventure,” Conaway said.