Sen. Joe Griffo on Thursday in a letter announced he would step aside as the Republican conference's number two lawmaker. 

Griffo, a lawmaker from the Utica area, will remain in the state Senate. 

"It has been a privilege and honor to serve as Deputy Minority Leader, and I am appreciative of the Conference’s members for having the confidence in me to serve in this role," he wrote in a letter to Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt.

"I look forward to working with you and the Conference as we continue to focus on creating economic opportunity, achieving fiscal affordability, restoring the balance of power in state government and fighting to ensure the equal treatment of all regions of New York State."

Ortt assumed the minority leader post in June after the resignation of John Flanagan. Democrats gained a supermajority in the chamber this election year and Ortt is being tasked with rebuilding what had been final seat of power for Republicans statewide in New York. 

“We are immensely grateful for Sen. Griffo's dedication to the Conference and passion for his role, and the countless hours he spent leading our senators on the floor,” Ortt said. “We appreciate his vast knowledge of the Senate and its parliamentary procedures, which he seamlessly took us through each session day. Sen. Griffo will still play an integral role in our leadership team as we move ahead, and we thank him for his commitment to this Conference.”