NEW YORK – Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge) announced today that he will not be seeking re-election in 2020, ending a 25-year career in the state Assembly and 34-year career dedicated to the communities he loves.

Crouch, who represents the 122nd Assembly District parts of Chenango, Broome, Otsego, Delaware Counties, was first elected to the Assembly in November 1995 and has been a champion of the middle class, the developmentally disabled, veterans, New York’s farmers and the second amendment.

“It truly saddens me to announce that I will not be seeking re-election to the Assembly in 2020,” said Crouch. “Despite overwhelming support from friends, family, colleagues and community members from around the district, the time has come for me to step away from public service. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, as I truly take pride in serving the Southern Tier, but I have reached a point in my life where spending time with family is my main priority.”

As a common-sense legislator, Crouch never let party lines get in the way, as has been known for his kind and welcoming personality and ability to work with legislators from both sides of the aisle. Crouch served a leadership role as Chairman of the Republican Conference, while also serving on the Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Rules; and Ways and Means Committees.

Crouch graduated from Unadilla High School in 1963, going on to attend Cornell University and graduating in 1965 with an AAS Degree in Dairy Science. Upon graduation he went on to be an owner and an operator of a 350-acre, 180-head dairy farm in the Bainbridge.

Crouch’s dedication to the community started in 1982 serving as a Town Councilman for the Town of Bainbridge until 1986. In 1986 he was elected Bainbridge Town Supervisor, serving as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Chenango County from 1993 to November 1995, until his election to Assembly.

“I want to thank all my supporters, colleagues and staff for their dedication and hard work over the years, and I especially want to thank my wife, Barbara, for her understanding and unwavering support over the years,” said Crouch. “It truly means the world to me. I will never forget my time in the state Assembly and the honor it has given me to serve you.”

Crouch’s dedication to his community does not stop at public service. He will remain as an active member of the Bainbridge Local Development Corporation; the Board of Directors; the Bainbridge Lions Club; and a member of the Bainbridge Methodist Church.