with no challengers on the Democratic side

Apparently his name will still appear on the ballot.

"While I will not serve another term, serving my friends and neighbors has been my highest honor and greatest privilege, and I am proud of all that we've accomplished together," he said in the statement.

I did enjoy meeting and hearing Texas Senator Averitt earlier this last year when he came by and did a Town Hall meeting in Somervell County. I sincerely hope whatever his health issues are, they are speedily resolved once he is out of politics.