This is one of those stories where leaving a career to spend more time with one’s family is for real.  

Republican Sen. Jerry Moran’s communications director is stepping away from the Capitol after more than a decade for among the most personal of reasons.  

“As you may know, over the last two months, my mom – who is a paraplegic – has become critically ill. It has been a very trying time for my family, and I appreciate the many kind words and prayers for peace and strength sent our way,” Garrette Turner wrote in an email to colleagues in the Senate and elsewhere that was shared with Roll Call.  

Turner, who has largely been away from work while her mother has been hospitalized, said her mother is home but the circumstances remain critical.  

“Each day with her is a gift, and I feel called to turn my focus to caring for her. Unfortunately, with my new role at home, it’s become clear that I must step away from my professional career for a time to focus on family,” Turner wrote.  

Turner will be succeeded by Katie Niederee, a Kansas native who has been working as Moran’s press secretary in his Senate office as the former National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman faces a 2016 re-election bid.  

Turner, who lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and a young son, worked at the Office of Management and Budget during the George W. Bush administration, as well as for former Ohio GOP Sen. George V. Voinovich. Her maiden name is Silverman.  

“This simple West Coast girl spent her college days waitressing and dreaming of a White House internship, a career in politics and media, falling in love, owning a home and starting a family,” Turner said. “I have to pinch myself that all my dreams have come to fruition, and they’ve been accomplished while working side-by-side with such inspirational people.”  

Contact Lesniewski at nielslesniewski@cqrollcall.com and follow him on Twitter at @nielslesniewski.

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