ROCKAWAY PARK — Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, who represents a large portion of the peninsula and other neighborhoods in southern Queens, won’t seek re-election in November, he announced Friday.
The Far Rockaway native said while it was a “difficult decision,” he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“My work as an elected official has always been guided by the desire to ensure a better future for my three young children and for all our families,” he wrote in an email sent to constituents.
“I'm truly humbled by the support I've received from voters, leaders in the community and my colleagues at all levels of government.”
Goldfeder was first elected in a special election in 2011 after former Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer resigned to become the Queens County clerk. He ran unopposed in his 2012 and 2014 elections.
Before running for office he worked as a legislative aide in the City Council, in the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit and for Sen. Charles Schumer.
He has accepted a position elsewhere, but would not say where, he told DNAinfo. His decision to leave politics was first reported by The Wave.
Goldfeder said his favorite part of the job was how different each day was.
“One day I was an engineer, one day I was a librarian, one day I was a teacher, one day I made laws,” he said. “And I got to serve the people I love.”
