State Sen. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, announced Monday on Facebook that he will not seek reelection in November.

Cosgrove has represented the 14th Senate District since 2013. It spans seven south Hampton Roads localities, including part of Isle of Wight County. Virginia’s Supreme Court adopted redistricting maps in 2021 based on the 2020 Census that moved Isle of Wight into the newly created 17th Senate District, which is presently without an incumbent residing within its lines.

“It is time to ‘pass the torch’ to new leadership in the Senate,” Cosgrove said on Facebook.

According to reporting by The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Cosgrove is the ninth senator to announce plans to step down ahead of the 2023 elections.

“I have two precious granddaughters that I rarely get to see, and my wonderful wife Sue has been very patient with me serving so long in public service,” Cosgrove said. “It is time to move on and enjoy my family and the opportunities that may lie ahead for me and my family.”

Del. Emily Brewer, R-Isle of Wight, and retired NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler, are vying for the Republican Party’s nomination for the 17th Senate District race in a June 3 convention at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Franklin campus. Del. Clint Jenkins, D-Suffolk, is presently the only Democrat seeking the seat.

The Democratic and Republican nominees will face off on the November ballot. The new 17th District covers all of Western Tidewater, including Isle of Wight.