#Top Senate Republican John Flanagan retiring early for Northwell Health job

ALBANY — State Senate Minority John Flanagan announced Tuesday he’s retiring early from the upper chamber of the state Legislature effective June 28 for a private-sector gig.

“Several months ago I announced that after nearly 34 years as an elected official in the New York State Legislature that I would not be seeking re-election in 2020. Today I would like to let you know that effective June 28th, I am formally retiring from the Senate to pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” Flanagan, of Suffolk County, LI, the top Republican in the state Senate announced in a statement.

He has accepted a job as the vice president of regional government affairs for Northwell Health. He will be working with Nassau and Suffolk County local and federal officials, not the state.

“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. 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.”

He had previously announced plans not to seek reelection.

“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. We are pleased to announce he will now be advocating on behalf of Northwell Health,” said Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling.

Flanagan was first elected to the Assembly in 1987 at age 25, and the state Senate in 2002.

He was elevated to GOP Majority Leader in 2015 until 2018, when the GOP conference lost the majority.

His father, the late John Flanagan, was also a state Assemblyman.

“As I roamed the halls of the Capitol last week for the very last time, I marveled at the architecture of the building and reveled in its beauty and splendor, while contemplating the remarkable history of our great state. I was humbled knowing that I was walking in the footsteps of many great legislators from generations past, including my father, the late Assemblyman John Flanagan. I am forever grateful to my legislative colleagues, past and present, who helped guide my path and nurture my legislative career,” he added.

“I am a lifelong New Yorker, and never more proud of that fact than at this very moment. 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).”

Flanagan is also the latest Republican to jump ship from a conference that’s been hit by a wave of retirements over the last two years following a bloodbath during the 2018 mid-term elections when several GOP pols lost seats to Democrats.