HARRISBURG, Pa.–Longtime Republican state Rep. John Payne is retiring.
He announced Friday he won’t seek an 8th term. Payne was first elected to the state House in 2002.
“Being a state representative is an honorable position and one that I’ve taken very seriously,” Payne said. “While I will miss many aspects of this job, I have decided it’s time to begin a new chapter in my life; one that includes more time spent with my family.”
He previously served as a Derry Township supervisor, Dauphin County commissioner and volunteer firefighter. He also worked for Hershey Chocolate USA, was a member of the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study Committee, and is currently a state forest warden, with over 35 years of service.
Payne said the past 14 years have been fulfilling and full of accomplishment, from increasing customer service to the people of the 106th District, to the seven bills he introduced that are now law, to the friends and community members he’s met and served alongside.
“I am particularly thankful to the residents of the 106th Legislative District for giving me the opportunity to work for them in Harrisburg and here in the district, to trust me to serve as their voice in the legislative process. It’s because of all of them that I can say public service, while challenging, has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.” Payne said. “It has also been extremely rewarding to serve in an area that has so much pride in its communities.”
Over the past 14 years, Payne has served as a member of numerous House committees, including the Liquor Control, Transportation, Tourism and Recreational Development, Consumer Affairs, and Local Government committees, as well as the Committee on Committees. He was appointed chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee in the 2015-16 legislative session.
“There are still many initiatives I hope to see enacted, and I plan to stay active and continue to serve the citizens of the 106th District until my term ends on Nov. 30.”
