Another Republican state senator has announced he will not run in 2020. 

Former TV anchor turned politician Rich Funke says the time has come for retirement.

“I also believe in term limits, so I will end my time in elected office on my own terms,” he said.

"I'm indebted to the people of the 55th District for trusting me with the power to represent you in Albany and I certainly hope I showed the kind of character you expected in me," said Funke. "Serving this community has been an honor and a privilege and I want to thank you for providing me with that opportunity."

He is now the fifth state Republican to step aside in the last two weeks.  Last week, Senator Joe Robach announced he would not seek re-election in 2020.

New York's 55th district covers parts of Monroe and Ontario counties, including the eastern half of Rochester. 

Funke first won election in 2014. He was a major recruitment for Republicans, filling a seat that had been held by Republican Senator Jim Alesi. 

Republicans fell into the minority for the first time in a decade in 2018, a development that allowed Democrats in the Legislature to pursue long-sought progressive bills in Albany.

Senate Republicans are behind Democrats in fundraising efforts as well, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins expects her conference will hold at least 43 seats in the 63-seat chamber by the start of the new term in 2021.