Tennessee Rep. Mike McDonald, D-PortlandNASHVILLE - The exodus of state House Democrats from the chamber continued today when Rep. Mike McDonald, D-Portland, announced he will not seek re-election.
McDonald, who is finishing up his ninth House term, said he decided not run again following "thoughtful consideration and conversations with my family."
McDonald becomes the sixth House Democrat to announce they will not seek reelection following passage of a Republican-drawn legislative redistricting plan passed in January. He was expected to have a serious Republican challenge in the general election.
Four Senate Democrats have announced they won't run again in the wake of a Senate Republican-drawn redistrict plan. Among them is Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, who is seriously considering running for Chattanooga mayor next year.
On Friday, a Memphis Democratic House member and several non-elected officials from West Tennessee filed suit against the Senate Republican plan, contending it violates the Tennessee Constitution.