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State Senator Mary Lou Rath Declines to Seek Re-Election

By Mark Scott

Buffalo, NY – State Senator Mary Lou Rath will not seek re-election to another term. Rath represents the Senate's 61st district. She was elected to the seat in 1993.

Rath informed local Republican leaders of her decision Sunday. She plans to serve out the remainder of her term. But Rath did not rule out stepping down sooner, which would set the stage for a special election to fill her seat.

Potential successors include state Assemblyman Jim Hayes.

Amherst Town Board Member Daniel Ward wasted little time in saying he plans to run. Ward, a Democrat, says the open seat would give his party its best chance yet of winning.