Republican Representative Steve Austria from Beavercreek announced today that he will not be seeking reelection in the 2012 congressional race. Austria currently serves the 7th district, and would have faced a tough challenge ahead against Republican Congressman Mike Turner of the 3rd district.
The two were pitted against each other after Ohio released a new congressional map, merging the 3rd and 7th districts into a new 10th district. Ohio lost two congressional districts this year due to slow population growth.
Numerous news outlets have reported that Austria will not run again as a result of the redistricting process, calling it unfair. He adds that a negative primary would hurt Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Austria succeeded Republican Dave Hobson of Springfield and served on the house appropriations committee.
In a statement, Congressman Turner thanked Austria for his service and says he plans to run for reelection for the 10th district.
Austria’s Washington office was closed and he could not be immediately reached for comment.