JACKSON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering of Mississippi has filed for divorce from his wife, Leisha.

The 44-year-old Republican announced in August 2007 that he would not seek re-election this year. He said then that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and their five sons.

“My decision to initiate a divorce proceeding has been difficult, and not one that I have entered into lightly. This decision is both personal and painful for me and my family,” Pickering said in a statement released Tuesday.

“I hope people will understand that this is a private matter, and for the sake of our boys, will respect our privacy during this difficult time. I will not have any further public comments concerning these proceedings,” he said.