Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., to retire, becoming fourth Republican to not seek reelection in 2022

Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., announced Monday he will retire after six terms, becoming the fourth Senate Republican to announce they won't seek reelection in 2022, when the GOP will try to regain the majority in the chamber.

Shelby started his political career as Democrat, serving eight years in the Alabama state Senate. He won election to the U.S. House in 1978, representing the state's 7th Congressional District. Shelby was first elected to the Senate in 1986, and switched parties and became a Republican in 1994.

"Today I announce that I...