State Sen. Tony Hwang announced Monday that he will not run for reelection.

He tells News 12 he will serve out his term through January and then retire.

In a statement, the Republican said, "Serving the people of Connecticut's 28th state Senate District has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life."

He also said he was grateful for the friendships and interactions he had with constituents, colleagues, community leaders and advocates.

Hwang is currently serving his fifth term in the Connecticut Senate. His district includes Fairfield, Easton, Westport, Weston Trumbull, Newtown and Bethel.

He won his first state representative race in 2008. In 2014, he became the first Asian-Pacific American state senator in Connecticut history.

Hwang says he plans to spend more time with his wife and two adult children. He additionally plans to return to his career as a relator while seeking opportunities to teach and mentor young leaders.

"Looking ahead, I hope to help address the current climate of division by working with nonprofit partners and academic institutions to encourage renewed civic engagement and leadership. My goal is to help future generations understand that community must always come before political labels - and that effective governance requires collaboration, empathy, courage, and respect," he said.

Earlier this year, Hwang lost to Christine Vitale in a special election to become the next Fairfield first selectperson.