Earlier this week, after much consideration, I decided I will not be running for reelection in November. As such, I will also be stepping down from my role leading the Assembly Minority Conference. I did not make these decisions lightly, but thanks to the love and support of my family, I know this is the right time to step aside and move on. 

I cannot begin to express the deep gratitude I have for my family, friends, colleagues, staff, and the people of this great state. Serving the 120th Assembly District and leading this Conference has been the honor of a lifetime, and I will take with me great memories of cooperation and camaraderie as I begin the next chapter of my career.

First and foremost, I must say “thank you” to this incredible community. For generations, Oswego County and Central New York have been my family’s home. Showing unbelievable trust, support and confidence in me, my neighbors in Central New York elected me to be their voice in Albany for 12 terms. I will miss hearing from constituents, helping organizations and individuals and collaborating with community leaders to make a difference in people’s lives. There is nothing more rewarding than doing the work of the People’s House.

To my colleagues, I have a profound appreciation for what we have accomplished. I have worked side by side with the outstanding men and women of the Assembly Minority Conference for 23 years, and I can say without a doubt, they are some of the most talented and hardworking public servants I have ever known. Fighting for our shared beliefs in what has often been an uphill battle has been both personally and professionally rewarding.

Together, we fought to make it more affordable to live in New York, reduce taxes, help the incredible small businesses that call New York home, create jobs, make our streets safer and improve access to quality education and health care. I know they will continue this work thoughtfully and diligently in the future.

Leading this Conference and representing Central New York has been hard work. There is no doubt about it. But the friendships I have made transcend the job description, and I am truly thankful for the lifelong friendships I have made along the way. This job has also given me a deep love and respect for the institution I have served for more than two decades. To Speaker Carl Heastie, thank you for the mutual respect you have shown me and my Conference over the years. I wish you luck as you continue to work toward a brighter future for New York.

Finally, I could not have done this job without the unyielding support of my family. I learned from a very young age by watching my father that one cannot do this job without support and patience at home. I have been blessed with an unlimited amount of understanding and sacrifice from my family. The long hours, time spent in Albany and the rigors of traveling around New York can be difficult to navigate. Thank you to my wife and sons, especially, for encouraging me to continue even as this job demanded so much of all of us. 

I will still be representing the 120th Assembly District as an assemblyman until the end of 2026. I will still be working hard on your behalf to address the most pressing issues in the 120th District and across New York. I am genuinely excited for what’s ahead for the Conference, this community and our future. I look forward to seeing you all out and about in our communities soon.