Rep. Lynn Westmoreland says he will not seek another term in Congress.

“After a busy fall in Congress, I finally had the opportunity for quiet reflection over the Christmas break. I spent time in prayer and with my family, and with their blessing, have decided I will no longer seek reelection for Georgia’s Third Congressional District," Westmoreland said in a statement posted on his campaign website. "It has been an honor to serve Georgia’s Third District for the last twelve years, and I believe it is time to pass the torch to our next conservative voice."

The retirement is an abrupt about-face for the Coweta County Republican, as he announced he would seek reelection in December.

Westmoreland served in the Georgia House for 12 years before winning the 3rd District seat in 2004. He and Tom Price are the longest serving Republicans in Georgia's congressional delegation.

A staunch conservative, Westmoreland considered running for Speaker of the House last year ather John Boehner announced his retirement. He also served on the House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. He and other Republicans clashed with Hillary Clinton during a marathon hearing last October.

Westmoreland has not said what he will do when his congressional tenure ends. Many political observers say he's expressed interest in running for Governor in 2018.

Tags: Lynn Westmoreland, 3rd Congressional District