The political landscape in northern Butler County is about to change again with state Rep. Dick Stevenson’s retirement announcement Tuesday.

The 12-year Republican representative of the 8th Legislative District will not seek re-election next year.

His departure will mark the latest change in northern county representation. Just this year, the area got a new state senator when Scott Hutchinson, also a Republican, left his House seat in the 64th District to become the state senator in the 21st Senate District, replacing Mary Jo White, who retired.

Taking Hutchinson’s place in the 64th District this year was R. Lee James, also a Republican.

The open seat in the 8th District opens the way for a primary fight to get nominees for both Republicans and Democrats.

The district represents county residents of Brady, Center, Cherry, Clay, Concord, Fairview, Franklin, Jackson, Lancaster, Marion, Mercer, Muddy Creek and Worth townships and Fairview, Harmony, Harrisville, Karns City, Petrolia, Portersville, Prospect, West Liberty, West Sunbury and Zelienople. The district also covers southeastern Mercer County, including Grove City.

While Stevenson declined to state a reason for not seeking re-election, he did reflect on his time in office in his statement.

“I have been proud to represent the interests of the individuals, families, organizations and businesses that call the 8th District home,” Stevenson of Grove City said in a statement released Tuesday.

“The best part about my tenure in the state House has been getting to know the people and the issues that affect them on a daily basis.”

In 2010, Stevenson was elected by his colleagues to a position of party leadership as the Republican Caucus Administrator.

Reaction to Stevenson’s announcement was positive for the 6-term representative.

“He’s going to be a great loss,” said Don Pepe, borough manager in Zelienople, one of the communities Stevenson represented. “Dick is one of the best state legislators I’ve ever met. He is truly a man of dedication and class.”

Pepe said he hopes whoever replaces Stevenson has the same work ethic and values.

“He’s been our representative for a number of years,” Pepe said. “We couldn’t have had a better representative in the statehouse.”

Harmony Mayor Cathy Rape was surprised to hear about Stevenson’s decision and said he has always been a helpful friend to the small, historic borough, notably during the devastating Hurricane Ivan-caused floods of 2004, and with land use issues and historic preservation.

“He’s always been more involved than anybody we’ve had in the past,” Rape said.

Fellow Republican state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, 12th District, said he was sad to lose a fellow politician who worked hard, had similar voting patterns and represented “strong family values.”

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know Dick over the years,” Metcalfe said. “He has always been a good guy to work with in the Legislature. We voted very similar in a lot of areas.”

One specific area of support Metcalfe recalled from Stevenson was a vote against a proposed statewide gas tax increase.

“I was very appreciative of his vote on that issue,” Metcalfe said.

Metcalfe said one thing he admired about his Republican colleague was that he was committed to conservative principles, like Stevenson’s predecessor, Howard Fargo.

“He will be a missed member of the Republican Caucus,” Metcalfe added. “Hopefully we’ll have another individual that will follow Dick and Howard (Fargo) to represent the values of the district. They both worked hard and had strong family values.”

Jeff Smith, chairman of the Butler County Republican Committee, praised Stevenson’s efforts as a legislator.

“Dick Stevenson was a great friend and advocate for Butler County and all of the 8th District,” Smith stated in an e-mail.

Smith first worked with Stevenson when Smith was a Harmony councilman.

“In all situations, Dick was always receptive and supportive,” Smith wrote. “He will be greatly missed.”

Butler County Commissioner Bill McCarrier said he had “a lot of regard and respect for Dick,” who he befriended when Stevenson ran for the Legislature.

Stevenson earlier had been a county commissioner in Mercer County. He also had been president of Grove City Council.

The executive director of the Grove City Chamber of Commerce also praised Stevenson for his support.

Beth Black said the chamber “has counted on Representative Dick Stevenson as a friend, resource and ally as he has served over the years.”

“He has always listened to the concerns we have and done whatever he can for his constituents.”

Black said she hopes his successor will maintain that strong relationship with the chamber.

Eagle staff writers Tom Victoria, Will DeShong, Kim Paskorz and Jeff Forward contributed to this report.