(AP) -- A 23-year-old legislator who was the youngest lawmaker when elected last year has decided not to seek a second term in the South Carolina House.
Republican Rep. Kevin Ryan of Pawleys Island said Thursday he has interests outside of state government, and the demands of the Legislature make it too challenging to have a private sector career.
The College of Charleston graduate student beat seven-term incumbent Democratic Rep. Vida Miller of Pawleys Island last November for the seat that includes parts of Charleston and Georgetown counties.
Ryan says the legislative session needs to be shortened so more people will consider becoming lawmakers. He says he will finish his term.
Ryan is no longer the youngest legislator. Voters elected 22-year-old Republican Joshua Putnam from Powdersville in a special election last month.
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