NYS Senator Daniel Squadron To Resign From Office Friday

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — State Senator Daniel Squadron has announced he will retire this Friday so that he can help democratic candidates outside of New York “stand up for core values that are under threat,” the Brooklyn and Manhattan representative announced Wednesday.

“Like many many across the country, since November, I’ve thought a lot about how best to change the direction of our country,” said Squadron.

“I have decided to lend my hand to make a difference in states across the country, pushing policies and candidates that will create a fairer and more democratic future.

Squadron has represented the 26th District — which covers Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Lower Manhattan — since Nov. 2008, a time he referred to as “a season of hope and change.”

The former aide to U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has since brought in millions of dollars for public housing, storm resiliency, and waterfront parks in his district, Squadron said in his statement. He also got the MTA to make improvements to a consistently inconsistent G train and stopped a slew of bulky buses from rumbling through the narrow streets of Cobble Hill.

While Squadron did not mention President Donald Trump by name, his letter referenced a need to fight for the Democrats' "core values" after the November 2016 election.

"It's not possible to take on this challenge and continue to be a full-time legislator, which is what I always promised I would be," Squadron wrote.

The 26th District seat will be filled in the November election.

Read the full letter here:

Dear Friend,

For years, we've fought together for a better Albany and a stronger district. From the beginning, your support, advice, energy -- and, yes, criticism -- have been an enormous inspiration. That's why I wanted to let you know directly why I have decided to resign from the Senate this Friday.

Like many across the country, since November, I’ve thought a lot about how best to change the direction of our country, and stand up for core values that are under threat. After much reflection, I have decided to lend my hand to make a difference in states across the country, pushing policies and candidates that will create a fairer and more democratic future.

It's not possible to take on this challenge and continue to be a full-time legislator, which is what I always promised I would be.

When I was first elected in 2008 in a season of hope and change, I hoped to bring enthusiasm for government to the district, and a government to be more proud of to Albany. Though progress has sometimes been slow -- and there is much more to do in this much less hopeful time -- the many constituents, colleagues, and staff with whom I've partnered have kept that enthusiasm, and pride in public service, alive.

Together, we’ve secured millions for public housing, storm resiliency, and waterfront parks. We’ve won a Lunar New Year school holiday, and a more equitable parks system. We've fought to hold Albany accountable, cut through red tape, advocated for subways, and tried (and tried, and tried) to fix a corrupt campaign finance system. I've been grateful for every chance to support a local school, make an intersection safer, or stand up to a bad landlord.

It has truly been an honor to serve the people of the 26th District.

The timing of my decision means the 26th District Senate seat will be filled in this November's election -- and I remain committed to continuing to fight for an empowered Democratic majority.

Thank you again to the many people with whom I've worked. Your faith in a better Albany and a stronger district continues to inspire me. And thank you especially to the constituents who hired me over these last nine years. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve.

If you have a constituent need, you can and should continue to contact the district office number at 212-298-5565.

See you in the neighborhood,

Daniel

Photo courtesy of State Senator Daniel Squadron's office