Source: US Congressman Mike McIntyre (NC-7), 1/8/14

U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre released the following statement on his decision to retire at the end of this congressional term:

      “In eastern North Carolina, we have demonstrated that public service is a partnership between the people and the representative they entrust to speak on their behalf.  

      “For us, this has been where the priorities of policy over politics, issues over ideology, dialogue over dollars, and cooperation over campaigning have prevailed.

      “Having answered the call entrusted through this partnership, I will be retiring from the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of this term.  

      “This partnership has transcended politics and allowed us to accomplish monumental tasks, such as quadrupling the number of veterans’ clinics in our area, passing the tobacco buyout, expanding our military bases, establishing an economic commission to promote jobs and fight poverty—and ensuring that the North Carolina coast will continue to be an economic engine and environmental treasure.

      “We also have built new fire and police stations, town halls, and workforce development centers; opened new farmers’ markets and senior centers; improved airports and the Wilmington Port; and expanded educational and recreational opportunities for our children and youth.  

      "We have helped thousands of constituents from all walks of life in ways that have significantly impacted their lives.

      “None of this could have been accomplished without the strong commitment of my family, the hard work of my staff, and -- especially -- the willingness of people throughout our region to put partisanship aside and work together to get things done for the betterment of eastern North Carolina.

      “Indeed, I am grateful to all of the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents with whom we have successfully worked through nine elections over 18 years.  

      “My family and I are ready for a new chapter and excited about new opportunities to continue helping North Carolina.

      “My prayer is that those in public service will always put the people they represent first and that God’s blessings will continue to be upon the great citizens of the Seventh Congressional District who live, work, worship, play, serve, and retire in eastern North Carolina.”
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      During his nine terms in office, Congressman McIntyre has been named National Legislator of the Year for veterans, agriculture and law enforcement, Coastal Advocate of the Year, Seniors' Advocate of the Year and received top honors for the entire Congress for his leadership in economic development and in rural health care, as well as for youth sports, fitness, parks and recreation.

      Congressman McIntyre has helped thousands of young people during his time in office through his “Classroom from Congress on Citizenship” which he has taught at schools throughout the district and as being the only Member of Congress known to host an annual inspirational Youth Leadership Summit in which every high school in the district participated.

      In 2005 he received the first-ever International Award for Public Policy in promoting jobs and workforce development.  In recent months he received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Secretary of the Navy, the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Navy, for his work on behalf of the Navy and Marine Corps.

      Congressman McIntyre is a past recipient of the Distinguished Christian Statesman of the Year Award, selected for his "leadership, character, integrity and faithfulness in public service”.