Hatboro-Area State Rep. Won't Seek Re-Election (ICYMI)

HATBORO, PA — The Republican state representative serving Hatboro and surrounding areas will not seek re-election, setting up what could be a competitive race to fill the seat.

Rep. Thomas Murt, an Iraq War veteran who has served in the legislature since 2006, announced that his term that ends this year will be his last in Harrisburg.

"It has been a great honor for me to serve in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives," Murt said in a written statement. "Being elected into this office in 2006 was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. After careful consideration, I have chosen after three decades of public service not to seek re-election in 2020."

Murt's 152nd House District represents Hatboro and Upper and Lower Moreland Townships.

Murt, who recently completed a doctoral degree at Temple University, said he plans to spend time with family and friends and continue work on a book about his experiences in Harrisburg.

"In any endeavor, you can be sure I will continue my devotion to public service, human services, assisting adults with special needs, supporting Pennsylvanians with mental illness, and defending our disabled veterans," he said.

Murt's retirement makes a House seat he had held onto comfortably a potential toss-up in this year's election.

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that the district, where Murt was re-elected comfortably in 2018, voted more than 62 percent for Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

Murt will continue serving as the chairman of the House Human Services Committee until the end of the current session.