Sen. John Flanagan opts not to seek re-election, ending 34-year political career

State Sen. John Flanagan is calling it quits, announcing he won't seek re-election come the fall.
Flanagan, of Northport, was once one of the most powerful elected officials in the state. He served in Albany for 34 years.
The longtime senator served as the state Senate majority leader until the Democrats took control of the chamber last year.
Flanagan, who currently serves as the Senate's minority leader, says he's making the best decision for him and his family.
Sen. Flanagan also acknowledged that he is stepping down in a time of crisis but says, "I fully intend to apply the same diligence and work ethic as the leader of our Republican conference as I have since I was first elected leader in 2015."