State Sen. Fred Berry took advantage of having a captive audience last night at a fundraiser at the Peabody Marriott to announce that he will not run for re-election next year.

Berry, who has cerebral palsy, indicated in his remarks that health challenges in recent years have influenced his decision, according to a report by the Salem News.

The 61-year-old Peabody native, current Senate Majority Leader and dean, was first elected to the Mass. Senate in 1982. Prior to that, he worked as a health professional and served as a Councilor-at-Large in Peabody for four years. He graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School.

Berry, a Democrat, represents Danvers, Salem, Beverly, Peabody and Topsfield.