MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - A longtime Northeast Kingdom state senator won’t seek re-election. Orleans County Senator Bobby Starr, who was first elected to the Statehouse in 1964, is the latest longtime lawmaker to step back from the upper chamber, marking an opportunity for a new crop of lawmakers to step in.Longtime dairy farmer and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Bobby Starr says he’s hanging up a nearly five-decade career under the Golden Dome. “My wife and my son have gone without me for a number of years,” Starr said.The Democrat is one of the last active farmers in the centuries-old tradition of citizen farmers serving at the Statehouse. As he steps back, he says he worries about the interests of communities who rely on agriculture and dairy. “Hopefully someone who’s interested in ag will come along to pick up that gap that’s going to be there,” Starr said.Starr is the latest Senate veteran to step down, along with Windsor County Democrat Dick McCormack and Grand Isle County Senator Dick Mazza.It comes as election season is beginning to ramp up. Monday marked the beginning of signature gathering for candidates seeking to be on the August primary ballot.Rep. Katherine Sims, D-Craftsbury, says she is seriously considering running for Starr’s seat. Rep. Caleb Elder, D-Starksboro is running in Addison County. And Rep. Patrick Brennan, R-Colchester, is running for Mazza’s seat. “I feel I can be impactful there and trying to fill Senator Mazza’s shoes -- those are big shoes to fill,” Brennan said.Starr, McCormack, and Mazza’s retirements mark a turning point in the chamber, where power is acquired through seniority. Two years ago, one-third of the Senate turned over, citing low pay, pandemic burnout, and other factors.Starr, a moderate, is known to break party lines on issues dealing with spending. “It’s going to take some strong-willed people to keep that check and balance in place,” Starr said.As election season continues, all eyes are on Governor Phil Scott and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and whether they seek another term.Statewide candidates have until May 30th to submit signatures.