Doc Hastings won’t seek re-election to Congress

Rep. Doc Hastings will retire from Congress at the end of this year. The 73-year-old Republican has represented Central Washington, including the Tri-Cities and Yakima, since 1994. Hasting made the announcement this morning and said it as time for “a new person with new energy to represent them in the people’s House.” He said he wanted to enjoy time with his family. He is married and has three adult children and eight grandchildren. Hasting gained influence during his tenure, including his current chairmanship of the House Natural Resources Committee. He served the interests of his district which is largely reliant on agriculture and irrigation. He is on the Republican Steering Committee and was the assistant whip in the House.