U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt, of Virginia’s Fifth District, announced last week that he would not seek re-election at the end of his current term.

The surprise announcement has solicited much reaction from the Charlotte County community.

“He was very good to Drakes Branch and Charlotte County,” said Drakes Branch Mayor Denise Pridgen. “We’re going to miss him.”

Pridgen said she had the pleasure of meeting Hurt when he visited the library in Charlotte Court House a short time ago.

Currently, Hurt represents the counties of Charlotte, Prince Edward, Lunenburg, Cumberland and Buckingham. He has been in office since 2011.

In a Derc. 23 press release from the office of Robert Hurt, he said that he never intended to make a career out of politics. However, he believes that each citizen should contribute in order to ensure a lively democracy.

“I agree with Robert Hurt’s decision to not become a career politician,” said Noah Davis, Drakes Branch town council. “I disagree with his timing, due to the 2016 presidential election and the changing demographics in our Fifth District.”

Hurt has represented local citizens for over 15 years in elected office and has served as U.S. Rep. for the Fifth District for the past five years, according the the release.

Keysville native and state Future Farmers of America (FFA) president Chandler Vaughan said, “I have the upmost respect for Robert Hurt. When I visited his Washington D.C. office this past summer he took the time to sit down and candidly discuss issues around the Commonwealth.”

Hurt said he would like to express his gratitude for the time he was afforded to represent the Fifth District.

“What makes him special to me is that I can engage in any conversation, simple or complex with him, and he always takes a genuine interest into the agriculture industry, as well as the Fifth District as a whole,” Vaughan said.

Hurt said in the release that he looks forward to continuing to serve the people of the Fifth District into the new year.