Former House Republican Leader Rep. J.T. Wilcox announces his retirement from the Legislature

 Former House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox of Yelm has decided to leave the Legislature when his term expires next January.

After 14 years of public service as a state lawmaker serving the 2nd District, Representative J.T. Wilcox said this year’s session will be his last in the Legislature.

“I knew in my heart it was time to go – which I think is the most important choice that you make here.”

Wilcox said single-party government weighed on him, and he shared that a new generation is needed to restore good government.

“I feel like I’ve just got too much baggage at this point to be as enthusiastic as I used to be. And this is a unique job – most jobs you’re there working for yourself – in this job, if you’re going to do it well you gotta be working for everybody else.”

In a letter to colleagues and constituents, Wilcox said the 2nd District deserves a representative who can bring new experiences, fresh enthusiasm, and a younger perspective to Olympia. Wilcox added he’ll be cheering them on from the sidelines.

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