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Salt Lake City Sen. Jim Dabakis to retire from Legislature at end of term

The Republican-dominated Legislature’s most outspoken Democratic foil announced on Tuesday he wouldn’t seek re-election to his Salt Lake City seat.

Sen. Jim Dabakis won’t run for re-election to his safely Democratic seat in November. He said the decision is in line with his opinion that state lawmakers shouldn’t stay in their seats for too long.

“In a Citizen Legislature, I firmly believe people should be elected, serve with all their heart and soul, then make way for other citizens,” Dabakis wrote in an emailed statement.

Dabakis, who has made it a custom to host live broadcasts during lunchtime at the Capitol, said he’d be more active with his newsletter, social media and website.