The Dallas Morning News is reporting that U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will not seek reelection in 2012, based on a letter sent from her to supporters earlier today.
Hutchison was first elected in a special election in 1993 to replace Democrat Lloyd Bentsen (he of "You're no Jack Kennedy" fame) when he became Secretary of the Treasury in the Clinton Administration. Hutchison, then the Texas State Treasurer demolished interim Senator Charles Kreuger in the runoff, then was reelected in 1994, 2000 and 2006. She was clobbered, however in a bid for Governor in 2010, losing to Republican incumbent Rick Perry in the GOP primary. She has indicated her desire to retire (or even resign) for some time, going back as far as the beginning of her 4th full term.
Link to Dallas Morning News Article
Hutchinson's letter to her supporters
In her letter, Hutchison wrote (in part):
"For the past 17 years, it has been my greatest honor to serve the people of Texas in the United States Senate...
..."I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for reelection in 2012. That should give the people of Texas ample time to consider who my successor will be."
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the US Senate since Bentsen was reelected in 1988. In a Presidential year like 2012, it will be very difficult for the Democratic nominee to prevail, especially should the Republican Presidential nominee (as they have since 1980) carry the state. One Democrat, former State Comptroller John Sharp has kept an exploratory committee open from 2009, when Hutchison was expected to resign in order to run full-time for Governor. Look for Sharp to consider the race with...uh, "sharp"-er eyes than before. I don't know who else may run from the decimated ranks of Texas Democrats.
Several Republicans had indicated their intention to run for the seat in 2012, even if Hutchison were to run again; a recent poll found her approval rating at a meager 46%, with only 56% of Republican approving of her performance. Among these candidates are State Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams. With Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert not seeking reelection this year, it would seem likely to me that he will consider a Senate bid as well. Other possible Republican candidate from the 2009, resignation-era list include Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, State Senator Florence Shapiro, Attorney General Greg Abbott and several Republican members of Congress (such as "Smokey" Joe Barton).
Hutchison is the first Senator up for reelection in 2012 who is retiring. I highly doubt she will be the last.
(Disclaimer: the author is a friend and supporter of Barbara Ann Radnofsky, the 2006 Democratic nominee against Senator Hutchison. However, he is not a Texan.)
Update: Thanks everyone for the comments and recs! Will be back at my computer in a little while.