Dick Gottfried Retiring After 50 Years Representing Midtown

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — After a half-century representing Midtown and Manhattan's West Side in the State Assembly, Richard Gottfried said Monday that he will not seek re-election next year.

Gottfried, 74, known as Dick, was first elected in 1970 at the age of 23 — while still a student at Columbia Law School. His district includes the heart of Midtown, Chelsea, and parts of Hell's Kitchen, Hudson Yards and the Upper West Side.

In the ensuing decades, Gottfried has become the longest-serving legislator in New York history and built a reputation as a liberal stalwart, introducing the state's first-ever bill to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003 and moving to decriminalize marijuana in 1977, as the New York Times first reported.

"I am grateful to my talented staff (present and past), hundreds of dedicated colleagues in the Legislature, nine governors (each with a distinct personality), and countless advocates and experts," Gottfried said in a statement Monday afternoon.

"Their commitment to solving problems is why we have been able to accomplish so much for the people of New York."

His other achievements included sponsoring the 1998 law that created Hudson River Park, the 2010 law banning the use of residential apartments as transient hotels, and a 1979 campaign finance bill that served as a model for New York City's eventual public financing law.

In all, Gottfried has sponsored more than 500 laws during his 50-year tenure, according to his office. In recent years, he has chaired the Assembly's Health Committee, and Gottfried said Monday he would spend the ensuing months continuing to fight for a bill to create a state-run single-payer healthcare system.

His retirement may immediately trigger speculation about who will run to replace him next fall — though the 75th District's boundaries will likely be reshaped during the state's upcoming redistricting process.

"Most of all, I thank my amazingly supportive and loving family," Gottfried said Monday. "It hasn’t been easy – particularly during the endless days and nights of budget and end-of-session. None of this would have been possible without them."

In retirement, Gottfried told the New York Times that he looks forward to traveling the world with his wife of 50 years, Louis Rubin.