Longtime New York State Senator Hugh Farley, a Republican from the 49th district, announced this week he will retire to spend more time with his family after 20 terms.
Vice President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Farley is one of the top Republicans in state government. He was first elected to the Senate in 1976.
Farley discussed his decision to end his long career in public service on Tuesday.
“I’m very, very grateful to my staff and constituency, but my wife has got some serious health issues and family comes first, and I think it’s my responsibility and desire to spend more time with her,” said Farley.
In his letter announcing his decision, Farley listed the accomplishments he is most proud of during his career, including numerous environmental and financial protections and regulations.
The Senator said he was proud of his role in creating the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, protecting the city’s water supply, and the creation of a BOCES facility at Fulton-Montgomery Community college. Farley also sponsored nearly every piece of legislation for libraries for the past four decades.
With his seat up for grabs, Farley said he would support the Republican candidate in the race, and specifically mentioned one local Assemblyman familiar to many in the district.
“I presume that Jim Tedisco will probably be interested in it,” said Farley.
Tedisco, first elected to the Assembly in 1982, served as Minority Leader from 2005 to 2009.
The Capital Region native who represents portions of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties said he was flattered by Farley’s endorsement.
“Those are big shoes to fill, but that’s something that kind of was a surprise, that he left. It’s something I have to think about,” said Tedisco.
Tedisco thanked Farley for his longtime support from the other legislative chamber.
“If we could have cloned Senator Farley in the Senate and had all of him as the 63 representatives, I think this state wouldn’t have many of the problems its facing now,” said Tedisco.
Two other Republicans expressed their interest in Farley’s seat last year, including Nancy Nugent and Christian Klueg, both of Northville in Fulton County.
Klueg said he did not expect Farley’s retirement and said he wished Farley and his wife well.
“From day one last year, I said that I was running because I love where I live and we see the direction that New York state is going. The corruption is out of control and I believe it’s time for a change in Albany.”
Democratic candidate Chad Putman thanked Farley for his service, particularly for his support for hospice care programs. With the possibility of more candidates entering the race, Putman called the shakeup “exciting times.”
“We want to be mindful and respectful of his time in office, but also this is a time to really look forward and down the road for the 49th New York State Senate District,” said Putman.
Farley says serving his constituents was the “biggest kick” he got out of the job.
