UPDATED [4:18 p.m.]—Republican State Sen. E.J. Pipkin will resign the Senate seat he has held since first being elected in 2002.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Pipkin said he was leaving to pursue a degree in sports management.
"One’s responsibilities to family and oneself often change the direction of life," Pipkin wrote in his statement. "I will carry with me both the bitter and the sweet memories of the past eleven years. My family will be moving to Texas, where I will pursue studies at Southern Methodist University for a Masters of Science in Sport Management."
Pipkin, the current Senate minority leader, said he chose to resign now rather than serve out his term so that he could give "the Republican who fills the 36th District Senate seat the advantage of serving the people until he or she runs for re-election."
News of Pipkin's resignation was first made public on the Twitter and Facebook accounts of Sen. J.B. Jennings, a Republican who represents Baltimore and Harford Counties.
"He has been an exceptional Minority Leader," Jennings wrote. "I am honored to have served with him and wish he and his family all the best!!!"
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller issued a statement late Monday afternoon wishing Pipkin well.
"Senator Pipkin had a strong work ethic, was knowledgeable on the issues and served his constituents well," Miller wrote in his statement. "We in the Senate truly appreciate his years of service to the people of Maryland and wish him nothing but success in the future."
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