“Spending close to 17 years in the Illinois General Assembly, I have had the honor of being the first Latino to serve in both Chambers. I am privileged to have represented the constituents of the 2nd Legislative District on important issues that have positively impacted their lives. After careful deliberation, I have decided that it is time to come home to my wife Iris, and help my only remaining son Adam as he plans for his future. I will not be seeking re¬-election in the 2016 cycle, as I will formally withdraw my candidacy this morning. Although I retire from the Senate, I am not retiring from the political arena. We still have much work to do in the City of Chicago, as everyone’s efforts are needed to save our public school system, and bring public safety to every community. I look forward to working with you as we build a stronger and safer Chicago for our working families.”