All Over Albany

Hugh Farley is not running for re-election

Some things around this area seem like permanent features: The Hudson River, the Helderberg Escarpment, Hugh Farley representing the Schenectady area in the state Senate.

The 83-year-old Farley was first elected to the state Senate in 1976 and has won re-election two years at a time ever since. But Tuesday he announced that he will not be running for re-election this fall. From his statement:

The love of my life, Sharon, my wife of 57 years, is now dealing with several health issues and it is my desire and responsibility to spend more time with her and my family.

I have loved my Senate career and feel I have served with honor and integrity. I accomplished more than I ever could have dreamed. ...

Service to individual citizens has always been of paramount importance to me. Over the years I have been able to assist thousands of individuals, families and businesses who have reached out to my office in a time of need. I have enjoyed making a real difference for real people.

I am grateful to my constituents who for 20 elections and 2 primaries have expressed their support and confidence in me and given me massive pluralities. I am grateful to the people on my staff who serve my constituents so well, and make me look good, day after day.

I am most grateful to my family for their sacrifices and support for me all these years.

Farley also cited many piece of legislation he was involved with, including his early support of hospice services and frequent support of library legislation.

Farley won re-election to the state Senate 49th in 2014 63-37 over Democrat Madelyn Thorne. This time around he was facing a potential Republican primary challenge from two candidates, Christian Klueg and Nancy Nugent. Over on the Democratic side, Schenectady deputy city clerk Chad Putnam has tossed his hat in. With Farley now out of the race, the field will certainly attract more candidates. He told WAMC today that he expects Republican state Assemblyman Jim Tedisco will be interested in the seat.

photo via Hugh Farley FB