Washington Rep. Heck to retire from Congress with 'weary' soul

Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., elected on the slogan "Give Congress Heck!", said Wednesday that he'll retire from the House in 2020.

Heck, 67, pronounced himself "soul weary" in a statement that said he'll leave at the end of the 116th Congress.

Heck was first elected to the House in 2012 and is now in his fourth term representing the Olympia area in Washington's 10th District.

"It is incredible work but it takes its toll," Heck said. "Being away so much from Paula, my best friend and wife of nearly 44 years, can be lonely even when I am in a crowded room. At our age, however many 'good years' we have left together is not a growing number.

"In the spirit of complete openness, part of me is also discouraged. The countless hours I have spent in the investigation of Russian election interference and the impeachment inquiry have rendered my soul weary."

Heck has played a role in the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump as a member of the House Intelligence committee.

Before being elected to the U.S. House, Heck was chief of staff to former Washington Governor Booth Gardner and a Washington state representative.