On Tuesday, Senator John Schickel, R-Union, announced that he would not seek a fifth term in the General Assembly.

Schickel, 69, has served 16 years in the state Senate and will serve the remainder of his term ending in December 2024.

“The Kentucky General Assembly, like the U.S. Congress, was founded to be a citizen legislature,” Schickel said. “Members of the House and Senate come from many professions, including law enforcement and corrections, like myself, and others are educators, attorneys, small business owners, and more. I have always thought citizen legislators should not make a career out of their service because I strongly believe in the founding principles of a government of the people and by the people.”

The Northern Kentucky lawmaker has served 45 years in public service, from his time as a state Senator serving on the Judiciary Committee, as a corrections administrator, law enforcement officer, and an adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University in their justice studies program. 

Schickel also headed the U.S. Marshall’s Service in the Eastern District of Kentucky, appointed by President George W. Bush.

He currently serves as the chair of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. He is co-chair of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force and is a Certificate of Need Task Force member. Schickel is also a Senate Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Energy committee member.

“In my last year as your state senator, I will be an advocate for Boone County in the biennial state budget,” Schickel said. “I will continue to support public policy that is friendly for small businesses as chair of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. I will be working hard for you until the very last day.”

Senate President Robert Stiver, R-Manchester, said Shickel has brought “deep respect and trust” to the office and legislative process.

“John ran his committee meetings with military precision, and it’s been a privilege to serve alongside him,” Stivers said. “Despite being a part-time legislator, John has always brought everything he has to Frankfort during our General Assembly and while back in our districts.  John Schickel is a dear friend, and I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”