"Hello, I'm State Senator Richard Funke. And I've made an important decision that I want to share with you today. I will not seek reelection to my seat in the State Senate next year."

The announcements like this one are coming in at an almost comical pace, with more than five New York State Senate Republicans opting not to seek re-election in just the last month. While there was speculation that control of the chamber would be up for grabs in 2020, that seems increasingly less likely as seats held by incumbents are now in play for either party.

Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan was asked about losing members in a radio interview last week.

"They are making life choices. You know, Betty Little has over 40 years in government, Joe Robach has 40 years in government. Mike Razenhofer has over 30 years in government, so I will miss them,” sadi Flanagan. “I laud their service. I embrace who they are. But we are actively and aggressively recruiting candidates."

For most of the last hundred years, Republicans have controlled the state Senate. But riding a blue wave in 2018, Democrats recaptured the chamber with a sizable majority.

It was only last year that Republicans held 31 seats, and controlled the majority, meaning they set the legislative agenda for the Senate. But after the 2018 elections, Republicans were reduced to 23 seats. And now eight of those Republicans have announced they are either retiring at the end of next year, or running for different offices that will require them to give up their seats.

"Every day seems to be a new Republican retiring,” said Andrea Stewart-Cousins, leader of the Senate Democrats. “I think that speaks volumes. I think they understand that we are going to continue to have a Democratic majority in the Senate. And I think it also speaks to the environment for them nationally.”

Democrats currently control 40 seats. If they pick up two more in 2020, they will have a super majority, which would allow them to override bills that are vetoed by Governor Cuomo. That could fundamentally shift the power dynamic once again in Albany, since the Assembly Democrats already have a veto-proof majority.