Anchorage Republican Rep. Mike Hawker has withdrawn his re-election bid.
In a statement, Hawker said he wants to make the most of his “miraculous” response to cancer treatment and “the renewed life God” has given him.
He said he wants to devote more time to studying for ordination as a Roman Catholic deacon and to work on health care reform.
Hawker was first elected to the state House in 2002. Aide Juli Lucky said by email that he plans to serve out his current term.
Hawker is known for his policy work, including his involvement in legislation setting up the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. But he also has endured criticism over the cost of a lease for Anchorage legislative office space that he helped negotiate.
