Maurice Hinchey's office announced Wednesday that the Congressman will not seek reelection this year.
The 73-year-old Democrat represented New York's 22nd District, which includes Binghamton, Ithaca and Monticello. First elected in 1992, Hinchey is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and a member of the Banking Committee.
He consistently voted with fellow Democrats in the Republican-controlled House, one notable exception was his vote against extension of Bush-era tax cuts, which was supported by a majority of both Democrats and Republicans.
In the Southern Tier
Hinchey is credited with bringing a number of projects to the Southern Tier. Recently, he helped establish Binghamton University's Center for Autonomous Solar Power and a transportation hub in the region's largest city.
State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo says his work on the environmental conservation committee is what inspired her to go into politics.
"He was just a stellar public official, dedicated public servant, mentor, friend, and a respected colleague."
Hinchey was also strongly opposed the Department Environmental Conservation's proposed regulations for hydraulic fracturing and called on the DEC to go back to the drawing board.
The official retirement announcement is scheduled for Thursday, at 1 p.m. in Kingston.
