City Councillor Michael Flaherty says he will not mount a candidacy for Suffolk County District Attorney this year. The seat will open up when longtime DA Dan Conley steps down at the end of his term this year.

In a statement issued on Monday night, Flaherty said that he would stay focused on his work as a citywide city councillor.

“While I have long been interested in the DA’s position, and greatly enjoyed my time spent as a prosecutor, I will always put my home life ahead of career interests,” Flaherty said. “We have been working through a family medical matter and, while the prognosis is good, my full attention is on what is most important to me, my family. Now is not the right time for me to take on the immense obligations of a countywide campaign.”