GOP state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe won't seek reelection

State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection this year.

The Republican from Cranberry is in his 12th term representing a district that encompasses part of Butler County, including Adams, Clinton, Cranberry, Forward, Middlesex and Penn townships and Callery, Mars, Seven Fields and Valencia boroughs.

“After family discussions, prayerful consideration and affirmation that I was embarking on a path of service that God was calling me to, I announced my candidacy for state representative in 1998,” Metcalfe said in a statement. “I have been blessed by God with 12 legislative election victories over the last 24 years.”

Metcalfe said he was “honored by the broad and deep base of support from citizens across the state who supported my work to limit government, protect taxpayers and defend liberty.”

Metcalfe said he will finish his current term, which concludes at the end of November.

He said he told his family at midnight on New Year’s Eve that he wouldn’t be seeking reelection this year.

His decision came “after family discussions, prayerful consideration and affirmation that God is calling me to a new adventure in life,” Metcalfe said.

He serves as chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Metcalfe had become a controversial figure during the covid-19 pandemic, as he fought against mask requirements, vaccine mandates and business shutdowns.

“In the future, I plan to continue fighting in defense of our God-given rights and our Constitution wherein they are affirmed,” he said.