Sen. Daniel Inouye‘s long-time chief of staff is retiring, a spokesman for Hawaii’s senior senator confirmed on Tuesday. Patrick DeLeon has worked for Inouye for nearly 40 years, and began work for the senator during the Watergate trials. 

“Patrick DeLeon is one of the most senior staff members on Capitol Hill,” Inouye said in a statement released by his office. “He has served Hawaii and the nation since August 1973. He is a person of extraordinary background. He holds a PhD in psychology, a Master’s of Science in MS, and a Juris Doctorate. 

“Under his service, the importance of nurses, psychologists, and other health professionals was properly recognized. He has been at the forefront of shepherding legislation related to Native Hawaiians, immigrant children, the people of the Pacific, and higher education.”

Inouye expressed gratitude for DeLeon’s “decades of hard work, his service to Hawaii, and most importantly, for his friendship.” A spokesman for the senator said Marie Blanco, who has worked in Inouye’s office for 32 years, will succeed DeLeon.