State Rep. Dave Hancock, R-Bemidji said Friday he would not seek reelection after two terms in office, citing his wish to spend more time with family and friends.

Hancock said in a statement that he was "a common-sense conservative who believes government exists to serve the people – not to regulate or punish them – and consistently supports policies that practiced fiscal responsibility and limited government intrusion in your lives."

"It has been truly humbling to serve as the voice of roughly 40,000 northern Minnesotans with differing backgrounds and mindsets," Hancock said.

Hancock served in the House in 2011 and 2012 before starting his current term last year.

"While I am not seeking re-election, residents should remember that I will continue to represent them until a new state representative is seated in 2017," he said.