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PHOENIX — U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, a Phoenix-area Republican, is retiring from the Congressional seat he has held for 13 years.

His decision not to run for reelection this November — one he announced Monday evening — sets the stage for a competitive race in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.

“The bottom line is that this is a personal decision between my family and me, about our dreams, goals, and ambitions, and we have concluded that it is time for me to seek a new challenge in a different venue to advance the cause of freedom,” Shadegg said in a statement.

Shadegg was already facing a challenge from Democratic attorney Bob Lord, who raised more than $600,000 last year. But in his statement, Shadegg said he was confident he could keep the seat if he tried.

“I just came off the most successful fundraising year of my career,” he said. “Recently I have seen polling data that shows I would beat my Democrat opponent by more than 31 points.”

Democrats, however, see an opening.

“I think he’s been listening to voters and they don’t want his brand of out-of-touch politics,” said Democratic Party spokeswoman Emily Bittner. “We completely feel (the district is) in play.”