In reversal, House Homeland Security chairman now says he’ll seek reelection to Congress

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nearly two weeks after announcing he would not seek reelection, Tennessee Congressman Mark Green reversed course Thursday and announced he will pursue a fourth term after all.

The Republican said he has received “countless calls” from constituents and colleagues asking him to reconsider, including from former President Donald Trump.

“I was reminded of the words of General McArthur on a statue at West Point: ‘Duty, honor, country,’” Green said in a statement. “I realized once again: I had a duty to my country to fulfill. I will be running for reelection so I can be here on Day 1 next year to help President Trump end this border crisis once and for all.”

Earlier this month, Green declared it was “time for me to return home” and pointed to the successful impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas just the day before as time to move on. The retirement announcement was one of three Republican chairs of House committee who said they would not be seeking reelection.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«READ MORE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> READ MORE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Border Patrol releases hundreds of migrants at a bus stop after San Diego runs out of aid money </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Biden’s rightward shift on immigration angers advocates. But it’s resonating with many Democrats </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> New Hampshire lawmakers approve sending 15 National Guard members to Texas </bsp-custom-headline>