Michigan U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) announced Thursday he will not seek reelection in 2024, creating an opening for House Republicans to flip his highly competitive seat in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.

Kildee, whose family has represented Michigan in Congress since 1977, said his decision was based on a cancer diagnosis he received earlier in the year that made him reassess his future.

He is now cancer-free after having a successful surgery to remove it, he said.

The time has come for Kildee to resign from public office, he stated on Thursday after spending time with his wife, kids, and grandchildren and thinking about their future.

“Running for office, ultimately, is a personal decision first. And this was not an easy decision to make. But I know it’s the right one for me and for my family.”

Kildee, 65, has served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding his late uncle Dale Kildee in 2013, who served 36 years in Congress.

The newly redrawn 8th Congressional District added portions of Republican-leaning Midland County, including the city of Midland, while maintaining a slight Democratic advantage over much of the territory Kildee previously represented. This increased competition for the seat.

In his statement, Kildee said he is confident that Michigan will reeleect Biden and elect a Democrat to succeed him in the district after he retires on Jan. 3, 2025.

“While my name will not be on the ballot next November, I will be doing everything I can to help elect common sense, principled and results-oriented leaders,” he said.

“For the remainder of my term, I will continue bringing the same passion, work ethic and drive to help our community and my constituents. My congressional offices will remain open and available to assist anyone in the district who needs help.”