State Sen. Ceci Maher announced Thursday she will not seek a third term in the state Senate.

Maher represents the 26th district which covers parts of Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Maher said in a statement that although she still has the energy and interest to continue serving, she believes her "generation has a responsibility to mentor and support younger leaders."

"For the last four years, representing the 26th Senate District in Hartford has been a true honor. Now is the right time to step aside to let them take the reins and craft the legislation that will shape Connecticut for the coming decades. I care deeply about the future of our state, and I know new leaders will continue building upon the progress we've made," she says. Maher was first elected in 2022 and serves as the chair of the Committee on Children and a tri-chair Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee.