OLYMPIA – House Republican Leader Dan Kristiansen announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election.

The 39th District representative has stepped down from his leadership role, but will complete his term.

“My family wants me home. And I want to go home,” said Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, who represents part of the Marysville area.

“My family came to visit me this week in Olympia, and it really put things in perspective for me. We’ve been on this journey together, and I’m so grateful for them.”

Kristiansen and his wife, Janis, have three children.

“It has been an honor to represent the 39th District. The people, the communities, the schools and the challenges we have faced together – all of it has been a blessing for me,” Kristiansen sand. “Being a state representative is an amazing responsibility. I can say I put my heart into it.”

The 39th District includes parts of Snohomish, Skagit and King counties.

Kristiansen, 55, was first elected to office in 2002. He has been House Republican Leader since April 2013, and was caucus chairman before that.

“I’m going to miss my legislative family. They are not just my colleagues – they are my friends. And those friendships will continue,” Kristiansen said. “I don’t know what the future holds for the House Republican Caucus. But I do know it is filled with talented people who will step up and lead in new ways.”