Republican State Senator Jim Alesi announced he will retire rather than seek re-election.
Alesi confirmed his plan to leave office to our Voice of the Voter partners 13WHAM-TV and the Democrat and Chronicle.
He said in interviews Wednesday night that he didn't want to risk his party's majority in the senate. Alesi faced a likely primary challenge because of his controversial vote in favor of same sex marriage.
Republicans are expected to support Assemblyman Sean Hanna for Alesi's seat and Democrats are expected to back Monroe County Legislator Ted O'Brien.