Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., will not run for re-election in 2020, he announced Dec. 17.
As the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Mr. Alexander has played a large role in shaping healthcare policy in recent years. He wrote the opioid bill signed into law in October and was the chief Senate sponsor of the 21st Century Cures Act.
"I have gotten up every day thinking that I could help make our state and country a little better, and gone to bed most nights thinking that I have. I will continue to serve with that same spirit during the remaining two years of my term," he said in a statement.
Mr. Alexander enjoyed bipartisan respect in the Senate. Though he was not a "true moderate," he was known for solving problems and finding compromises, Politico reports. He helped craft a bipartisan plan with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., to stabilize the ACA after repeal efforts failed. Ultimately, the deal did not pass.
His seat will likely be filled by another Republican and potentially someone more conservative, according to Politico.
More articles on leadership and management:
24-year-old Proscia CEO: '10 years from now, digital pathology will just be pathology'
Trump pushes for new federal health law after Texas ACA ruling
Kentucky bill would make abortion a felony