FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A longtime Fort Wayne City Councilman will be stepping down.

Democrat Glynn Hines has represented the southeast side of town for the past 19 years, but he won’t seek re-election in 2019, as he announced during his annual “State of the 6th District” address over the weekend.

Hines cited health issues, saying it’s gotten increasingly difficult to conduct business between dialysis treatments.

According to the Journal Gazette, Hines, who is one of only two Democrats on the Council, said he chose to announce his retirement so early to give prospective candidates time to get their campaigns in order.