West Michigan Congressman Vern Ehlers says he will retire from Congress at the end of the year. The Grand Rapids Republican is stepping down after 16 years in the House representing Michigan's Third District.

In a statement Wednesday Ehlers, who is 76, said he is in good health but recognizes that he should complete this chapter in his life.

Ehlers' announcement means that there will be at least two new members of Congress from Michigan next year. Holland Republican Pete Hoekstra in the neighboring Fourth District is running for governor rather than seeking another term in the House.