Lenny Curry Speaks on Bill Young's Retirement

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry spoke on U.S. Rep. Bill Young, after Young announced on Wednesday he had decided to forgo re-election in 2014 and retire.

I want to congratulate Congressman C.W. Bill Young on an extraordinary, five-decade career in public service for Florida," said Curry. "After starting his political career in the Florida state Senate from 1961 to 1970, Young has now honorably served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 40 years and is currently the longest-serving Republican member of Congress. Congressman Young always stood up for the Sunshine State and fought for the best interest of all Floridians. The Republican Party of Florida and I thank him for his dedication to his constituents and wish him well in the next chapter of his life.

Young was elected to the Florida Senate in 1960 and was first elected to Congress in 1970. From 1999 until 2005, Young chaired the House Appropriations Committee.He has had one of the longest political careers in Florida's history. Young told the Tampa Bay Timesthere are several factors in why he won't run for re-election, including his health and his desire to spend more time with his family.