The first state Senate Republican to publicly support gay marriage in New York says he won't seek re-election.
Sen. James Alesi Monroe County said on cable television's YNN Wednesday night that he expects a tough, costly primary and decided to step aside for the good of the Senate's 32-30 majority.
The 64-year-old Alesi was expected to face a primary challenge from Assemblyman Sean Hanna.
Last year, Alesi was the first Republican in the Senate to come out in support of legislation legalizing gay marriage in New York. He was later joined by three other upstate GOP senators. Their support gave the measure enough votes to pass in the Senate.
Lawmakers approved the bill June 24 and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it into law the next day.
President Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to publicly support same-sex marriage on Wednesday.
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