Statement from Senator Steve Oroho (R-24) announcing that he will not be a candidate for re-election to the state Senate:

“I recently announced my intention to seek reelection to the New Jersey State Senate, but circumstances have changed and I’ve made a personally difficult decision that I will not be a candidate for re-election. However, I am comfortable that I am making the right decision for my family and me.

“It is hard for me to believe that I am now in my 16th year in the New Jersey Legislature, an honor I never anticipated, and my 22nd year in elected office. It is truly humbling.

“I am also very much aware that when I first ran for the state Senate, if successful, I expected that I would serve no more than ten years, mainly because I believed in some sort of term limits. Having now served in different legislative roles, I have come to appreciate and understand that the opportunities and strategic knowledge that comes with legislative experience is very valuable.

“I am also fully aware that no one elected official is indispensable, and many talented individuals are ready to take up the mantle when given the opportunity.

“As I’ve been reflecting on my life with the recent passing of the new year, our family celebrating the birth of our 10th grandchild, and time praying and contemplating while recovering from a recent illness, I’ve come to the conclusion that I will not to be a candidate for re-election this year. I have made my decision for a number of personal reasons that I will mainly keep private. It was a difficult decision, however, one particular thought that kept gnawing at me was the commitment of completing a four-year term. If I cannot readily commit to completing the whole term, it’s not fair to the voters and inappropriate for me to run.

“It’s time for me to be a more attentive Pop Pop.

“I am very proud of my service in the State Legislature, and what I have worked to accomplish. Although admittedly frustrated at being in the minority, I felt I was still able to work collaboratively to affect positive outcomes for my constituents and state residents alike. There are many issues I wish I could have pushed further along, but I’ll leave knowing I was persistent and always tried my best.

“I pledge that I will continue to work incessantly to try to achieve a Republican majority in the State Legislature. If we are ultimately successful, that will be an accomplishment for me to cherish. If we come up short, then it will naturally be time for someone else to take up the task.

“I look forward to working as hard as I usually do for the remainder of my term. I value the work we perform in the joint district office that I share with Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths, and I will always be grateful to the extraordinarily talented staff that I’ve had the pleasure to work with in the District 24 Legislative Office as well as the Senate Republican Office. I know we have touched many lives.

“I pray for God to bless you all, our State and our Country.”