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Kingston, NY – One of New York's longest-serving elected officials will leave the House of Representatives at the end of the term. WAMC's Ian Pickus reports...
Hudson Valley Congressman Maurice Hinchey, a Democrat, will announce his retirement this afternoon at one, ending a nearly four-decade career in government that began in the state Assembly in 1975.
Hinchey, now 73, won his first Congressional race in 1992, rose to national prominence as a frequent critic of the Bush administration, and even held his 22nd District seat on election night 2010, when fellow Democrats across the state and the country were ousted from office.
That night, Hinchey squeaked by to earn a 10th consecutive term. Even then, Hinchey anticipated a difficult two years for Democrats
"It's going to be a very interesting set of circumstances there," he said. "A lot of challenges."
But those words would take on even greater weight for Hinchey's personal life in recent months. The Navy veteran spent much of this term fighting colon cancer, undergoing two surgeries, though Hinchey is now said to be cancer free.
Meanwhile, the state must redraw its Congressional district lines to eliminate two seats, and Hinchey's exit could imperil the 22nd District's future. It also means the Hudson Valley is likely to lose representation on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee upon Hinchey's retirement.