FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, announced he will not seek reelection in 2024.

The Republican lawmaker has served as a state senator for nearly 16 years, representing the 11th District in Boone County since 2009.

“I have always thought citizen legislators should not make a career out of their service because I strongly believe in the founding principles of a government of the people and by the people,” Schickel said in a statement announcing his decision.

“For that reason, I will not seek reelection in the coming year. My time as your state senator will conclude in December 2024,” he said.

In addition to his time as state senator, Schickel previously served as a corrections administrator, law enforcement officer and teacher. He also headed the U.S. Marshall’s Service in the Eastern District of Kentucky, appointed by former President George W. Bush.

He has served as an adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University in their justice studies program, where he was also on their curriculum advisory committee. He is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a master’s degree in Public Administration.

Schickel serves as chair of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. He is co-chair of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force and is a Certificate of Need Task Force member. Schickel is also a Senate Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Energy committee member.

“Thank you again for your years of support and friendship. It has been my honor to be a member of our citizen legislature,” Schickel told his constituents.