Utah Democrat Rep. Matheson won't seek 8th term

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson of Utah says he will not run for an eighth term in Congress next year.

Matheson was expected to face a tough repeat challenge in 2014 from Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love, a Republican who he narrowly defeated in 2012.

Matheson announced the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon. His spokeswoman Jessica Gail confirmed the posting and the news.

The congressman says it "has been a tremendous privilege" to serve but his time in the House will not be "the sum total" of his service.

The 53-year-old represents Utah's 4th congressional seat, which covers a string of Salt Lake City suburbs stretching south along the Wasatch Front to Sanpete County.

He is the only Democratic member of Utah's congressional delegation.