After almost a quarter of a century North Country Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I,Ref-Newport) announced today that he will not seek re-election in the 2018 election cycle.

Butler said he will continue to serve in the Assembly until the conclusion of this term, which comes on December 31, 2018.

The 118th Assembly District includes towns from Norfolk and Madrid south to Colton, Clifton and Fine.

“I realize this is early for such an announcement, but I am doing it at this time for a few reasons. First, a number of highly-qualified potential candidates have given me the courtesy of avoiding a divisive primary over the past few terms with the provision that I will provide adequate time for them to prepare campaigns when I decide to retire.

“To their credit, they have kept their word, and I intend to keep mine so this change can be done in an orderly manner,” Butler said. “This is a huge district and the candidates will need time to familiarize themselves with the territory and the people whom they need to meet.

“Equally important, I believe this will give members of my staff who have been very loyal to me the opportunity to make decisions on their future plans without a pressing time element.”

Butler was first elected to the Assembly in 1995, succeeding Anthony Casale, who was appointed by Gov. George Pataki to head the New York State Liquor Authority. Prior to being elected to the Assembly, he served five years in the Herkimer County Legislature, where he became majority leader, and five years as a village trustee in his hometown Village of Newport.

Butler has served on various committee assignments in the Assembly and was named Ranking Republican on the Committee on Standing Committees, a leadership position that has oversight of the operations of the Assembly’s various committees. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Herkimer County Republican Committee.