Rep. Glenn Anderson announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election for a seventh term as state representative serving the 5th Legislative District — a region that includes Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie Valley, Maple Valley, and parts of Renton and Kent.

“It’s been an extraordinary gift and a privilege to be allowed to serve the citizens of our community,” said the Fall City Republican, who was first elected in 2000. “I’ve been extremely lucky that so many constituents, regardless of party affiliation, felt as though it was important to be engaged and have helped in many ways with all the issues I’ve been called on to deal with over the years. There is no substitute for participation when it comes to good government. The list of people who have sacrificed to be helpful to me, and their state, is very long.”

Anderson is recognized as a statewide leader on K-12 and higher education reform and funding issues. He was a bipartisan leader on a series of critical K-12 education reform measures passed over the last several years. He served as the leading Republican voice on Gov. Chris Gregoire’s Washington Learns 2006 Task Force and his “Fund Education First” budget reform proposal is considered to be an essential initiative to improving K-12 school funding.

“When students have a good basic education, everything in life becomes possible for them,” Anderson said. “It’s not something we should take for granted.”

In 2004, Anderson served as Republican Floor Leader responsible for leading debate and parliamentary procedure during floor action in the House.

In 2006, he served as president of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, which is a U.S.-Canadian commonwealth of the five northwestern states and four western Canadian provinces dedicated to economic growth and quality-of-life issues.

In 2007, he was awarded the “Washington General” merit designation for outstanding civil service to the state.

As a senior legislator Anderson ranks 13th in seniority out of 98 House members.

Anderson, who will serve out the remainder of his term through the end of 2012, has not ruled out staying in politics.

“While this chapter of public service is closing, the book is still open,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of encouragement to run for higher office from both Republicans and Democrats and I’m strongly considering that option.”