State Sen. John Yudichak, I-Carbon/Luzerne announced Thursday morning he will not seek re-election to the State Senate after six-terms in office.

“Honored, blessed, and grateful are the first few words that come to mind as I reflect on my decision to not seek re-election to the Pennsylvania State Senate in the 2022 election cycle,” Yudichak said in a news release. “The good people of northeastern Pennsylvania have welcomed me into their homes and hearts over the last 24 years during my six terms in the House of Representatives and my three terms in the State Senate. Recognizing their kindness and support, I have always strived to match their generosity with unremitting passion and purpose in how I approached public service.”

“Over my tenure in public life, I have been inspired by the working families of northeastern Pennsylvania who go to work every day to provide a better life for their family and better days for their community. I have tried to match their work ethic and mirror their working-class values in every vote I made and in every project I pursued. For me, politics is the profession and people are the purpose,” he said.

Yudichak said he wants to spend more time with family.

“I believe the time has come to better serve the most important people in my life - my daughters Sarah, Anna, Evelyn, and Grace. My daughters grew up in politics, and they have sacrificed a lot of time with their father over the years to the demands of public life. As my daughters embark on important milestones in their own lives, I plan to dedicate myself to supporting their endeavors and to enjoying every moment we share together as a family,” he said.

His term ends in December.

“Although I will not be seeking re-election to the Pennsylvania State Senate, my heart will remain forever dedicated to serving the communities of northeastern Pennsylvania. I consider Sen. Lisa Baker, Sen. John Gordner, Sen. Dave Argall and Sen. Marty Flynn as friends, colleagues, and public servants of the highest quality. I look forward to helping them and the region’s state legislative delegation to continue the great progress we have made in making northeastern Pennsylvania the best place to raise a family, get an education, and build a career,” he said.