Republican state Rep. Joe Adams (R-Wayne/Pike) has submitted his resignation from the state House effective immediately.

In a letter sent to Speaker Joanna McClinton, Adams simply wrote that “I have family needs that require my immediate attention. Please accept this letter as my official notice that I am resigning my 139th House Seat effective Friday, February 9, 2024.”

On January 23, Adams announced that he would not run for re-election, but intended at the time to complete his term.

“It has been an honor to serve you, the citizens of Pike and Wayne counties, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” he said in that statement. “Civic duty and public service have been my life for the past nine years, after a private sector career, and I have tried my very best in giving all possible energy and ability to serve our wonderful community and its people.

“There are turning points in our lives, though, that solidify decisions to change our focus. We recently received some medical news that has changed my focus. Taking care of my family, understandably, must now be my priority. That being said, I am not running for re-election for the 139th PA House seat. I will continue to work locally to help our community, its organizations, businesses and people.”

“Joe Adams is proof that longevity in public service is not necessary to be effective for the people you represent,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “During my time serving with Joe, he exemplified the very best in the traditions of representative service and I will greatly miss him as a valued member of the Republican Caucus. I deeply respect Joe for his devotion to his family and can personally attest to how much he cares for his community and state.”

The 61-year-old former financial professional and former Wayne County commissioner’s resignation will force another special election in the Commonwealth. It will be the eighth special that McClinton has had to schedule to fill a vacancy in the 203-member chamber in 13 months.

The 139th Legislative District is comprised of parts of Pike and Wayne counties, consisting of the townships of Blooming Grove, Dingman, Greene, Lackawaxen, Milford, Palmyra (Pike), Shohola, Westfall, Cherry Ridge, Dreher, Lake, Lehigh, Paupack, Palmyra (Wayne), Salem, South Canaan and Sterling, and the boroughs of Matamoras, Milford and Hawley.