A fixture in Congress since 1997, Republican Joe Pitts has announced he will not seek re-election to the House in 2016. Pitts, 76, has been consistently ranked among the most conservative members of Congress since he went to Washington. In recent years, he has won re-election to his 16th District House seat (representing parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties) by wide margins. The district is a GOP stronghold and should remain in Republican control if the party can find a well-known name to run next year.

Although he's leaving Congress, Pitts said he plans to stay active, intending to focus on human rights around the world.

"As a person of faith, and a follower of Jesus, I believe that we are called to pursue justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves," Pitts said. "I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom, both domestic and international, as well as on matters of culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Reagan, Chuck Colson, as well as great legislators like the 18th Century Member of the British Parliament William Wilberforce, and former colleagues like Henry Hyde, Frank Wolf, and Tony Hall."

Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016