ALBANY, NY (WKBW) — New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has announced he will not be seeking re-election and will retire at the end of next year.

The longtime, Amherst republican lawmaker announced his retirement in a statement Friday:

“Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election and will retire from the NYS Senate at the end of next year. It has been the highest privilege to represent the many communities of WNY and I am proud of what we have accomplished together on behalf of residents. Despite my decision to retire, I will continue to fight for the residents of the 61st Senate District throughout the remainder of my term. After many years of serving the community, I look forward to spending more time with my family.”

Ranzenhofer has served in the 61st State Senate District since first elected to the seat in the fall of 2008.

Prior to becoming a state lawmaker, Ranzenhofer served as an Erie County Legislator from 1989 to 2008.

Ranzenhofer was reelected to serve a fifth term in the 61st senate district in November of 2016. He currently services as vice chair of the Senate Minority Conference.

The 61st district encompasses the Towns of Amherst, Clarence and Newstead and the Villages of Akron and Williamsville in Eire County. It also stretches into parts of Monroe and Genesee Counties.

Ranzenhofer, an attorney, is a longtime Amherst resident.

