Matt O'Shea is latest alderman to give up Chicago City Council seat, along with Mike Rodriguez, Marty Quinn

Matt O'Shea, who has been the alderman of Chicago's 19th Ward for the last 16 years, is the latest to announce he is giving up his Chicago City Council seat after this term.

The 57-year-old announced in a letter to residents of his ward, which covers the Far Southwest Side communities of Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood, that he is not seeking another term.

O'Shea told CBS News Chicago, after four terms in office, he's ready to pass the torch

"Sixteen years as alderman, it takes its toll," O'Shea said. "I came to the decision that it's time."

O'Shea said the job as alderman has been rewarding and demanding, part of the reason why he felt it was time to step aside.

"When storms come through, and basements are flooded, and trees are down, you're out all night. When you get a 15-inch snowstorm, you're out all night. When something tragic happens, someone's the victim of a violent crime, you're out all night. That takes its toll," he said.

O'Shea thanked his family in his letter announcing his decision "for their patience over the years."

"I am looking forward to being more present and spending more time together," he wrote.

During his time in office, O'Shea said he's proudest of improving the business corridor in the 19th Ward, and for opening the Morgan Park Sports Center, a Chicago Park District facility at 115th and Western featuring an NHL-size ice rink with 1,200 seats, gymnastics center, fitness studio, event spaces, and concession areas.

He cited his frustration with the divisive political climate at City Hall and nationwide.

"We need to get back to people working together. You know, we've got this great divide. We've got the far left and the far right, and everybody is refusing to come to the middle," he said.

At the same time he announced his departure, O'Shea endorsed his chief of staff, Erin Ross, to take his place.

"She is a lifelong resident of the 19th Ward who understands our neighborhoods because she has lived in them. She has the experience, integrity, and work ethic to continue moving the 19th Ward forward, and I know she will always put our residents first," he wrote.

O'Shea is the third member of the Chicago City Council to announce they will not run again so far this year.

Mike Rodriguez, a progressive ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson who is currently serving his second term as 22nd Ward alderperson, announced Wednesday he won't pursue reelection in 2027. He said while he loves his job, he's decided to spend more time with his family, noting his daughter is starting high school this year and his son is also growing up fast.

"My daughter is entering high school. I've got four years left with her, and I want to spend as many moments being present with her," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez wrote in a letter to his constituents that he will finish his current term serving the ward that covers Little Village and then return to his roots as an organizer with the Cook County Democratic Party and 22nd Ward IPO, and will continue to work as State Central Committeeperson for the 4th Congressional District.

Rodriguez is endorsing his chief of staff, Elianne Bahena, for his seat on the City Council.

In July, 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn announced he will not run for reelection. He served four terms, also representing communities on the Southwest Side, and was first elected in 2011.

"Serving the 13th Ward has always been about addressing the issues that matter most to the residents," Quinn said in a news release. "I'm proud to have worked closely with dedicated staff, residents, community groups and local law enforcement to ensure our voices were heard at City Hall, whether advocating for a new Southwest Side police district or fighting for the resources our first responders and union workers deserve."

Quinn has been one of Mayor Johnson's biggest adversaries in City Hall. He said he will remain an active resident of the 13th Ward after his term ends. 

Around this time last election cycle, before Brandon Johnson was elected as mayor, more than a fifth of the City Council had either left midterm or had announced their plans not to run again.

Both Rodriquez and O'Shea told CBS News Chicago that they do not know what's next for them in their professional careers.

The two often found themselves on the opposite sides of the political spectrum at City Hall, but they agreed on one thing – their feelings as they prepare to leave office.

"It's been the honor of my life to serve my neighbors, my family members, the ward residents of the 22nd Ward," Rodriguez said.

Chicago's next municipal election is Feb. 23, 2027.