The third Republican state senator in the last week said he will not be seeking reelection in 2020.

Legislator Mike Ranzenhofer, R-Amherst, announced Friday he will retire at the end of his term. Ranzenhofer has served in the state Senate for a decade.

"It has been the highest privilege to represent the many communities of WNY and I am proud of what we have accomplished together on behalf of residents," he said in a statement.

Ranzenhofer, an attorney by trade, was the chair of the Senate Corporations Committee. His 61st district spans parts of Erie and Monroe Counties and all of Genesee.

Before being elected to the state Legislature he served on the Erie County Legislature.

"Despite my decision to retire, I will continue to fight for the residents of the 61st Senate District throughout the remainder of my term," he said. "After many years of serving the community, I look forward to spending more time with my family.”

Several Republican names have immediately surfaced as potential replacements for Ranzenhofer. Among them is former state Assemblyman Ray Walter, who confirmed interest Friday but said any decision would come later.

Walter filled Ranzenhofer's County Legislature Seat and his former 146th Assembly District overlaps with SD-61. He lost to Democrat Karen McMahon last year.

Walter currently serves as the first vice chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee.

"Mike has been a mentor and a friend for many years," he tweeted. "He has been a great advocate for the people of WNY and served with unmatched integrity. We need more Mike Ranzenhofers in politics and government. Thank you."

Other potential candidates include Walter's former chief of staff Erin Baker who currently serves as the Erie GOP finance chair. Baker also is married to state Republican chairman Nick Langworthy.

Erie County Legislator Ed Rath could also be considered. Rath serves a large part of the state Senate district constituency and is the son of prominent former state Senator Mary Lou Rath.

Given the close ties between these potential candidates, the party would likely sort things out internally rather than hold a primary. However, other names could still surface.

Thursday, Warren County Republican Betty Little announced her retirement and last Friday state Senator George Amedore said he would not seek reelection. The state Senate flipped to Democratic control last election.