Tom Duane, New York’s first openly gay state senator, said yesterday he’s not running for re-election because he wants to “come home,” while considering new plans “to make the world a better place.”
Duane’s home is Manhattan, where the Democrat announced his decision to quit politics after 14 years of commuting to Albany.
“I have decided it is time for a new chapter in my life,” said the 57-year-old legislator, speaking with emotion at a Manhattan news conference. “And I want to come home.”
Duane, who is HIV-positive but otherwise apparently healthy, said he did not yet have any firm plans for the future.
He said he “agonized” over his decision to spend more time with longtime partner Louis Webre, who looked on as Duane cited various accomplishments, including last year’s law legalizing gay marriage.