Ralph Hudgens will not seek re-election in 2018

Ralph Hudgens announced Monday that he will not seek re-election as Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner in 2018.

He said in a news release that he made the decision “after much thought, prayer and discussion with my family.”

Hudgens said he plans to spend more time with his family which includes 12 grandchildren.

“My office has helped consumers get payment after insurance companies originally denied claims and has aggressively pursued insurance fraud,” he said.

Hudgens, who has served in the State House and State Senate, said he intends to stay involved with politics.

“My political activity began when I accompanied my wife to meetings with conservative activists in 1980. I quickly developed a passion for politics and a belief that the right people running for office could make a difference and I still have that belief,” he said.

This story was originally published July 17, 2017 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Ralph Hudgens will not seek re-election in 2018."