Dropping like flies: Yet another Republican quits Congress

Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) announced on Friday that he's retiring from Congress, joining a large group of Republican leaders exiting Capitol Hill.

Graves, the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, was among dozens of GOP lawmakers leaving without seeking reelection as Republicans anticipate a potentially challenging midterm election this fall. He told The Wall Street Journal he planned to withdraw his re-election paperwork for Missouri’s Sixth Congressional District, a decision he made earlier this week.

"I think it is time for me to step down," Graves said. "I filed for re-election, and I was still kind of evaluating…my next chapter in life, and what that might look like."

Graves has served since 2000. He is now the 35th Republican member of Congress to retire this year as Democrats eye taking back the majority of the House and Senate this fall.

More than 50 House members have announced they will not seek another term; this is a record with the midterms still months away, The Journal reported.