State Sen. Paul Thurmond says he’s not seeking 2nd term

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — State Sen. Paul Thurmond says he won’t seek re-election next year so he can focus on his family.

The Post and Courier reports Tuesday (http://bit.ly/1DHjBfN ) the youngest child of the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond won’t seek a second term because family demands are overtaking politics. He and his wife are expecting their fifth child in December.

The 39-year-old Republican has represented parts of Charleston and Dorchester counties since 2013. He said he hopes to return to public service in the future.

The former Charleston County councilman lost a bid for Congress in a 2010 runoff with then-state-Rep. Tim Scott, who’s now a U.S. senator.

Last week, Democratic Sen. Joel Lourie of Columbia said he won’t seek a fourth term. He was previously in the House for six years.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com