The 131st District seat in New York State Assembly is officially open.
Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R-131) announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election. The embattled Assemblyman had stepped down from his leadership post after a DWI crash on New Years Day.
The 131st District seat in New York State Assembly is officially open.
Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R-131) announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election. The embattled Assemblyman had stepped down from his leadership post after a DWI crash on New Years Day.
“After a great deal of consideration and discussions with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election for the 131st Assembly District this fall,” Kolb said in a statement. “I know that there are other avenues for me to pursue, future work to be done, and I have every intention of being an active member of the community and state that I love.”
He called it a ‘tremendous privilege’ to have served the Finger Lakes region for the last two decades. “I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt there is no higher honor than to have had the support of the men, women and families who call this area home,” Kolb continued. “My career in Albany and tenure as Assembly Minority Leader would not have been possible without the love, patience and sacrifices of my family members, especially my wife Lauren.”
He thanked his legislative colleagues for everything they had done throughout his time. He also thanked those who had worked for him.
“I want to express my gratitude to all of the staff that have worked or served on my behalf, for their hard work and commitment to help make New York State a better place to live, work and raise a family,” Kolb added.
Twenty years ago, I came to the New York State Assembly by way of a special election and a 10-vote margin of victory. Looking back, it’s clear I was fortunate on election night, and I’ve been equally blessed every day since,” Kolb concluded.
Assembly Minority Leader Bill Barclay said he was disappointed to hear that Kolb would not seek another term.
“It is disappointing to hear the news that Assemblyman Brian Kolb will not seek re-election, but I will always appreciate his service to the people of the Finger Lakes and his unwavering commitment to the Assembly Minority Conference,” he said after Kolb’s announcement. “It is a true testament to his abilities and leadership that he was overwhelmingly re-elected nine times by the people of his district, and that he was chosen as leader of our Conference for 10 years. No one was more dedicated to our cause and our goals. The residents and businesses of Ontario and Seneca counties know that Brian worked every day to make their lives better and more prosperous.”
Here’s Assemblyman Kolb’s full-statement:
“After a great deal of consideration and discussions with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election for the 131st Assembly District this fall.
I know that there are other avenues for me to pursue, future work to be done, and I have every intention of being an active member of the community and state that I love.
It has been a tremendous privilege, both personally and professionally, to have served the people of the Finger Lakes Region for the past two decades. I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt there is no higher honor than to have had the support of the men, women and families who call this area home.
My career in Albany and tenure as Assembly Minority Leader would not have been possible without the love, patience and sacrifices of my family members, especially my wife Lauren.
In addition, I want to thank my legislative colleagues, especially those in the Assembly Minority Conference, for everything they have given me over the years – their trust, their dedication, their collaborative spirit, and their friendship.
I want to express my gratitude to all of the staff that have worked or served on my behalf, for their hard work and commitment to help make New York State a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Twenty years ago, I came to the New York State Assembly by way of a special election and a 10-vote margin of victory. Looking back, it’s clear I was fortunate on election night, and I’ve been equally blessed every day since.”
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.