Geoff Davis Gage Skidmore

(Hebron, Ky.) – Northern Kentucky likely won’t have any representation in the U.S. House of Representatives until 2013.

Fourth District Congressman Geoff Davis (R-Hebron) resigned from his seat on Tuesday, effective immediately. Davis said a family health issue requires more of his time. He did not offer specifics.

“When I was a Cadet at West Point, I internalized the words of the U.S. Military Academy’s motto, ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ Next, I learned that success was based on honoring God, Family, and Work, in that order. In December 2011, I decided that in order to honor those values, I needed to retire from Congressional service so I could more effectively serve my family as a husband and father. Those priorities continue to guide my decisions,” Davis said in a statement, adding family must and will come first.

The four term congressman was planning to retire following the November election as he was not seeking re-election to a fifth term. Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Bill Adkins are running for the now-vacant Fourth District seat.

Davis turned in his resignation to Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH).

Beshear could opt to hold a special election in five weeks for a replacement, or wait until the November election. The governor could not comment Tuesday as he is on an economic trip overseas.

“I have served with great men and women in the Congress in both parties, and leave knowing that the House is filled with people who love this country and are working to make our future better. I am grateful to have been blessed by being a part of this great institution,” Davis concluded.