State Senator John Flanagan Announces Retirement

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — New York State Senator John Flanagan announced Tuesday his retirement from the Senate. After nearly 34 years in the State Legislature, Flanagan is set to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. His retirement is effective June 28.

Flanagan is slated to join Northwell Health on June 29 as vice president of regional government affairs in Suffolk and eastern Nassau counties, the company announced in a news release.

"As I have often said over the course of my career in public service, it has been my extraordinary honor and privilege to have served the people of New York in both the Assembly and Senate," Flanagan wrote in a statement. "My life has been immeasurably enriched by the thousands of people whom I have met along the way, and I leave Albany with my head full of life lessons and my heart full of fond memories."

Flanagan, 59, a Republican, was elected Senate Majority Leader in 2015 after having served as a state senator since 2002. He held the position through 2018 until the Democratic Party took majority control, bumping Flanagan to Senate Minority Leader. Flanagan was previously elected to the New York State Assembly in 1986.

Republicans are attempting to hold an online conference Friday with eyes on choosing a new leader, Newsday reported.

Flanagan announced several months ago he wouldn't seek re-election this year.

"I am a lifelong New Yorker, and never more proud of that fact than at this very moment," he said. "Despite unprecedented challenges over the last few months, Empire State residents have been profoundly resilient, and I am inspired by their fortitude and optimism. Their individual and collective perseverance will help move our state forward in the spirit of our state motto, 'Excelsior' (ever upward)."

In his new position at Northwell Health, Flanagan will serve as the Eastern Region’s liaison with legislative officials and government regulatory agencies at the federal and local level.

"Throughout his 34 years in public office, John Flanagan has fought for his constituencies in western and central Suffolk County, working to provide tax relief and advocate for budget reforms to improve the area’s financial and overall health," Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling said. "We are pleased to announce he will now be advocating on behalf of Northwell Health."

Flanagan will serve on the leadership team of Stephen Bello, PA, senior vice president and executive director of the health system’s Eastern Region, which includes 120 ambulatory locations at Glen Cove, Huntington, Mather, Plainview, Southside and Syosset hospitals, as well as Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Flanagan thanked his "loyal constituents" in Brookhaven, Huntington, and Smithtown for their ongoing confidence and trust in him for over three decades.

"As Clarence the angel from 'It’s A Wonderful Life' said, 'Remember… no man is a failure who has friends.' I have been truly blessed with wonderful friends and a loving family, who have supported me throughout every step of this journey. During my career I have been surrounded by many talented and dedicated people, and I am proud of all we have achieved together on behalf of New York residents. From the bottom of my heart…thank you to all for the opportunity of a lifetime."