After more than two decades in Albany, Assemblyman Marc Butler has had his fill.

The Republican ,who has represented the 118th Assembly District since the mid-90's, is announcing that he will not seek re-election next fall.

''I realize this is early for such an announcement, but I am doing it at this time for a few reasons,'' Butler said via a news release. ''First, a number of highly-qualified potential candidates have given me the courtesy of avoiding a divisive primary over the past few terms with the provision that I will provide adequate time for the prepare campaigns when I decide to retire. To their credit, they have kept their word, and I intend to keep mine so this change can be done in an orderly manner. This is a huge district and the candidates will need time to familiarize themselves with the territory and the people whom the need to meet.''

Butler added that the early announcement also gives his staff an opportunity to make future plans.

First elected to the Assembly in 1995, Butler previously served as a trustee in the Village of Newport and was a member, then majority leader, on the Herkimer County Legislature.

Butler also formerly worked as a reporter for the Utica Daily Press/Observer Dispatch.

The 118th district includes northern Herkimer County, and portions of Oneida, Hamilton, Fulton and St. Lawrence counties.

Longtime colleague, Senator Jim Seward, released this statement following the news of Butler's retirement:

“I have been fortunate to work closely with Assemblyman Butler and have always admired his passion for the job and compassion for those he represents.  Over the years we have worked to aid Remington Arms, deliver state funding to our schools, boost the Mohawk Valley’s economic prospects, and rebuild from devastating floods.  I look forward to partnering with Assemblyman Butler during his final year in office, and anticipate that even in retirement he will continue to be a strong advocate for the Mohawk Valley and New York State.”

And, Utica area Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi issued a statement on the news as well:

“For many years, Marc Butler has represented a large and diverse district admirably in the New York State Assembly.  I have enjoyed working with Marc on issues of mutual concern, including the need to bring more high tech jobs to the Mohawk Valley, and protecting our traditional manufacturers such as Remington Arms.  Marc has always loved the area he represents in the legislature, and I am sure that he will continue to use his knowledge of the Mohawk Valley to help the people he has represented whenever he is asked after his term of office ends next year.  I certainly understand his decision to want to spend more time with family; being away from home often is not easy.  I sincerely wish him the best in future endeavors.”

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