LANCASTER, PA — Earlier today, Congressman Joe Pitts announced his decision to retire from Congress at the end of 2016. Pitts has represented citizens of the 16th Congressional District for the past 19 years, most of them being Lancaster Countians. Republican Committee of Lancaster County (RCLC) Chairman, Dave Dumeyer, noted that Pitts called him directly before making his announcement. “I will miss Joe’s sincerity and gentlemanly nature. In Washington, it seems that everyone tries to upstage everyone else. That was not Joe’s nature. He took his role in representing his constituents seriously, and I believe Lancaster County was well served by his strong conservative voice and voting record.”

Dumeyer reflected on the positives of Pitts’ tenure: Strong advocacy for children’s and veterans’ issues; Deep concern for refugees and his action to support humanitarian relief; Promotion of alternatives to Obamacare.

Dumeyer noted that Pitts’ early announcement will benefit the County GOP in its attempts to identify potential candidates for the 16th Congressional seat.