NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee lawmaker has resigned from the state legislature, saying he needs to spend more time with his family and tend to his winery business.
News outlets report 59-year-old Rep. Bill Sanderson, R-Kenton, announced his retirement would take effect at noon Wednesday. He was serving his fifth term.
Sanderson’s departure comes on the same day lawmakers gathered in Nashville to select a replacement for House Speaker Glen Casada. Sanderson said he planned to cast his vote then officially retire.
Casada is scheduled to resign Aug. 2 after scandals involving explicit text messages.
As reasons for his resignation, Sanderson cited his growing winery and his son-in-law who was recently diagnosed with throat cancer.
Sanderson says his resignation will allow a special election to be called so voters can choose his successor.
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