According to the Savannah Morning News, State Representative Ann Purcell, a Republican from Rincon, will not run for reelection but will serve the balance of her term:

“It has been my honor to represent the people of my district for 17 years, but while my husband and I still have good health, we feel it’s important to spend time with our family,” Purcell said.  “I have learned much and have enjoyed working with my colleagues in the State House. But my greatest joy has been getting to know and work hard for the people that I represent.  I have tried to serve them diligently and respectfully. I appreciate their trust for so many years.”

Earlier this year, Purcell reportedly received death threats by supporters of removing the requirement of a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Purcell was first elected as a Democrat, before switching to the GOP in March of 2004.

Purcell was defeated in the 2004 Republican Primary election by now-Senator Buddy Carter (R-Pooler). Purcell returned to the State House after winning a special election in November 2009, when Buddy Carter was elected to the Senate following Eric Johnson’s resignation to run for Governor in the 2010 Republican Primary.