Freshman state Rep. Charles Thomas announced Dec. 30 that he will not seek a second term in office, at least for now.

Thomas, R-Buncombe, said his service in the General Assembly is detracting from his business and family responsibilities. He said he does not want to continue to be a representative if he cannot give it his full attention.

Thomas owns a financial management company and a flight school and started an aviation repair service at Asheville Regional Airport last summer.

He noted that he has had to turn down business opportunities because of his work in the state House.

Thomas represents the 116th House District, which spans an arc from Asheville’s Beaver Lake through Woodfin, western Buncombe County and portions of Skyland and Arden, where Thomas lives. The district is Republican-leaning.

Thomas won a two-year term to replace veteran Rep. Wilma Sherrill when she retired in 2006.