As Congressman Bob Gibbs has announced his retirement effective at the end of the 117th Congress, the Tuscarawas County Republican Party would like to thank Congressman Gibbs for his hard work, dedication, and extensive efforts to improve the lives of Tuscarawas County citizens during his time in public service.

 

Since 2011 Congressman Gibbs has served the people of Ohio’s District 18 and recently District 7. During his tenure in Congress, he reformed federal water resources project policy, helped to make clean water utilities more affordable for low-income families, and lowered taxes and bureaucratic red tape for millions of American families and businesses. He also fought for a cleaner Lake Erie.

 

Tuscarawas County Republican Chairman Doug Wills stated, “With Congressman Gibbs retiring, we are losing a true friend. He worked tirelessly on behalf the citizens of Tuscarawas County, and his entire District. He always made time to take a phone call and was in tune with what was happening in our area. As a farmer himself, Congressman Gibbs worked hard on issues facing today’s family farms and small businesses”. Chairman Wills went on to say that “We wish Bob, his wife Judy, their children and grandchildren the very best for the future”.

Congressman Gibbs is slated to give a Congressional update and attend the Tuscarawas County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner event on April 20. Visit www.TuscRepublicanParty.com for details.

 

In his official announcement, Congressman Gibbs cited the current redistricting and election fiasco that brought him to this decision.

 "While America still faces considerable challenges, many of which are self-inflicted crises by President Biden and the radical socialist policies in Congress, I am confident in the future of our nation and the prospects of a Republican majority in the House to stop the worst instincts of the Biden administration and the progressive liberal agenda. These prospects are bright despite the circus redistricting has become in Ohio. These long, drawn-out processes, in which the Ohio Supreme Court can take weeks and months to deliberate while demanding responses and filings from litigants within days, is detrimental to the state and does not serve the people of Ohio.

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"It is irresponsible to effectively confirm the congressional map for this election cycle seven days before voting begins, especially in the Seventh Congressional District where almost 90 percent of the electorate is new and nearly two-thirds is an area primarily from another district, foreign to any expectations or connection to the current Seventh District.

 

"This circus has provided me the opportunity to assess my future. To that end, after considerable deliberation, I have decided to not seek re-election this year. This was a difficult decision, one which I did not make lightly. I want to thank family, friends, and supporters for their encouragement this election and the voters' confidence in me during the previous six elections. It has truly been an honor to advocate for Ohioans in Congress. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. Thank you to my family, especially my wife Jody, for putting up with the long drives, late dinners, and my weeks away from home. I will use this opportunity to spend more time with her, my children, and grandchildren."