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HARRISBURG – Chairman of the House Health Committee, Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) has announced that he will not seek re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Baker has served in the state House for more than 25 years, having been elected 13 times by residents of the 68th Legislative District.

Baker is one of the most senior members of the House Republican Caucus and has served as the Speaker Pro Tempore to four Republican speakers of the House.

In announcing his retirement, Baker said, “For the past 25 years of elected service, I have had the humble honor and privilege of serving the great citizens of the 68th District in Tioga, Bradford and Potter counties. The Bible says, ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven,’ and it is now time for me to begin a new chapter of service in my life as I consider new opportunities.

“The decision to not seek re-election was a very difficult one, but after much prayer and deliberation with my family, friends and others, I have decided that it is the right time. I give my heartfelt thanks to the residents of the 68th District for their confidence and support in allowing me to serve these many years, and I give thanks to God for His grace and inspiration to be of service to others,” Baker continued.

“To my wife, Brenda, thank you for all your steadfast love, support and sacrifice – the missed birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions you attended alone – so I could serve as a member of the state House and be in Harrisburg voting during session at the Capitol.

“To my hard-working and devoted staff, thank you for your support and for your outstanding service to the people of the 68th District. You are No. 1 across the state in the volume of services provided and will forever be the standard bearer for others to emulate.”

During his tenure in the House, Baker has authored approximately 30 state laws and has distinguished himself as one of the most respected conservative Republican leaders. He has received more than 30 state and national awards and has been a long-time member of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Baker said, “As a person of faith, I have tried to the best of my ability to practice daily servant-leadership to work with others with honest and integrity, and to treat all with dignity and respect. It is my hope and prayer that my successor will bring a high level of civility and dignity to this elected office of trust and that the vortex of politics will be met with humility and character-building in order to serve the greater good.

“As I bid farewell and give thanks to all, let me leave with you a quote from the late President Ronald Reagan, “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.”