Assembly Member David Gantt announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election.

The announcement came Friday during an unrelated press conference, after he was asked why he backed a county legislator running for his seat.

“On the advice of my physician, I’m leaving.” Gantt said.

Gantt, a Democrat, represents New York's 137th Assembly district which includes the northeast and southwest sections of the city of Rochester and the town of Gates.

Gantt has held the seat since 1983, but is now supporting county legislator Ernest Flagler, who is also supported by the Democratic committee.

“There’s some big shoes I have to fill. So when I sit back and think about all he’s done and all the stuff he has taught, it’s a lot to take in," Flagler said. "However, on top of that, I’m honored.”

Gantt’s record in public service goes back nearly 45 years. Perhaps no surprise then that a recreation center in Rochester was named in his honor in 2010.

“It says, you can tell, he’s a gentle, caring person that always put the people first,” Rochester resident Robert Matthews said.

Matthews has worked for the city’s rec centers since ‘83 as well, and also happens to be retiring this year. Though he has never met Gantt personally, he holds him in high regard.

“I like his initiatives, I like the way he thinks. I like his no-nonsense political view of things, especially when it comes to getting things done,” Matthews said.

And Matthews says he’s sure Gantt will still be instrumental in serving the community, even if it isn’t from Albany.

“Knowing the type of person, the individual he was, through the things he did, I don’t think retirement will be an indication of him going away,” Matthews said.

And that’s exactly what Gantt says he plans to do.

“I had a good time, I did a lot of work. And I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss the work I’ve been doing, but I’m going to do it in a different way,” Gantt said.

Though Gantt is supporting Flagler for his 137th Assembly seat, Silvano Orsi and Natalie Sheppard are also candidates vying for the position.