CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Democratic state Rep. JoAnne Favors of Chattanooga says she won't seek re-election to the Tennessee General Assembly next year.
Favors is a retired nurse and former health facilities administrator who has served in the state House since 2005. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that Favors had mounted a successful Democratic primary campaign against then-Rep. Brenda Turner to win the seat.
Favors persevered in another tough primary race after Republican redistricting plans in 2012 placed her and then-Rep. Tommie Brown in the same district.
Favors said in a press release that she wants to spend more time with her family, ranging from her 94-year-old mother to her great-grandchildren.
Favors is the only African-American member of the Hamilton County delegation, and one of just two Democrats from East Tennessee.