State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st

State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, announced Nov. 17 he is suspending his run for congress in Pennsylvania’s 15th District and will, instead, focus on the State House and state issues in the coming year.

“It has become clear that running for, and possibly serving in, congress are not conducive to the commitment I must keep to my family, especially my young daughter,” Simmons said in a press release to The Press Nov. 17.

Simmons and his wife, Erica, are the parents of a 22-month old daughter.

“My first priority will always be my family which is why I am taking this step, but it is also vitally important to me that we continue to have Republican representation in Washington, D.C.,” Simmons said.

“Even as I remove my name from consideration, I will continue working to ensure that our party unites and sends new conservative leadership to congress next year.”

Simmons has served as the representative to Pennsylvania’s 131st district since his election in 2010.

The 131st district encompasses Lower Saucon Township in Northampton County; Upper Hanover Township and East Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill boroughs in Montgomery County; and Lower Milford, Upper Milford, Salisbury and Upper Saucon townships as well as Coopersburg and Emmaus boroughs in Lehigh County.