(WSKG) The Republican represents the sprawling 51st State Senate district, which includes Otsego and Cortland Counties, along with part of Chenango, Delaware, Tompkins and Cayuga Counties.
Seward announced he was undergoing treatment for cancer for the second time in November. He was first diagnosed in 2016.
“While I have responded well to cancer treatments, my physicians have advised me that treatments will continue for the foreseeable future limiting my ability to maintain the rigorous schedule needed to campaign for re-election,” Seward said in a statement. “This is the right decision for my health, my family, and the people of the 51st Senate District.”
Seward has lamented that rural, upstate issues are getting ignored in Albany but said his decision has nothing to do with the GOP now being in the minority in the New York senate.
The 68-year-old has served in the chamber since 1987.
