Senator Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has decided not to seek re-election to the post of majority leader in the Georgia Senate. 

Rogers, who has served as majority leader for four years, said in a emailed statement he decided not to seek re-election, noting the "toll of serving my caucus was taking too much from my family."

"While I had no challengers for the position of Majority Leader, the decision was still clear to me," he said. "Leadership positions should never become permanent and I am very supportive of our new Majority Leader and my good friend, Senator (Ronnie) Chance.” 

Chance's election to the post of majority leader isn't the only news out of the Georgia Senate Republicans' election of new leaders. David Shafer of Duluth defeated Athens Senator Bill Cowsert to win the post of president pro tem. 

Chance announced his candidacy after Rogers decided not to seek re-election and noted he was "honored" to have the support of Rogers. He added he appreciated Rogers' "successful service as our majority leader."  

"He is a close personal friend, and after his decision to step down, I was honored to receive his full support," he said. "For this I am sincerely grateful."   

Rogers was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002 and then to the Georgia Senate since 2004. He was first elected as majority leader in November 2008.