Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington County, has announced his plans to resign effective Aug. 1. (The Daily Record / Bryan P. Sears)

Sen. Andrew Serafini, a western Maryland Republican who built respect among his Republican and Democratic peers as a trusted voice on budgetary issues, will resign effective Aug. 1.

Serafini had talked about departing the legislature for well over a year but made the announcement in letters to Gov. Larry Hogan as well as his colleagues in the Senate, saying it “has become very clear that it was time for me to step down.”

“Twelve years in Annapolis was more than I anticipated and more than I should have asked of my family, friends, employees and clients,” Serafini wrote. “There is a narrative that all politics are dysfunctional and filled with vitriol. I must admit that leaving my family on a Monday and not returning until Friday late afternoon has worn on me. Frankly, being a Republican from a rural area has also worn on me.”

Serafini, a financial planner when not in Annapolis, built a reputation as a budget watchdog who had the respect of his own party and that of Democrats.

“Andy is one of the best human beings you could find and was a dedicated public servant,” said Sen. J.B Jennings, R-Baltimore and Harford counties and Senate minority leader. “Andy was our ‘numbers guy’ and always took the time to dive into the issues, especially the budget, and worked to build consensus with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

Serafini sometimes took views counter to his Republican colleagues. He was co-sponsor with Sen. Jim Rosapepe on legislation that sought to impose the state’s 6% sales tax on digital streaming services as well as on the purchase of digital movies, music, books and video games.

“In the many moments we disagreed, he was a fierce challenger in the marketplace of ideas,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat who once served on the Budget and Taxation Committee with Serafini. “When we agreed, there was no better ally you could ask for. Last year, Andy shared my vision for a bipartisan Senate consensus around our State’s most pressing issues, and thanks to his tireless efforts, and willingness to engage and compromise, we achieved historic results. Andy is one of my closest friends in the Senate, and his decision represents his character and eagerness to always put his family first. We’re going to truly miss him in the Senate.”