Louisiana Senate President John Alario has decided not to run for office when he is term limited out of the state senate at the end of this year.
Alario has, when confronted with term limits in the past, run for the corresponding seat in the other chamber, thus becoming the only state lawmaker to serve twice as Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives and as senate president.
"After many months of thoughtful deliberation, I have decided not to run for the House District 83 seat in the upcoming election," said the Westbank Republican. "This decision is not one I make lightly but it is what I believe to be best for my family."
First elected to the house in 1972, Alario has spent 48 years representing the Westwego area in Baton Rouge.
"I want to thank my colleagues for their friendship, guidance, and commitment to this state. My career at the legislature was filled with triumphs and challenges and I will forever cherish every memory we made along the way."
Alario said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and in the community.