In a Wednesday evening interview, Messer told The Enquirer this was a "big, big decision," but that he was relieved once he sent the letter out. He's excited to spend more time with his family. "I will respect anyone who's willing to sacrifice to be a public servant," Messer said. "And I don't think I could have ever really imagined just how much of a commitment and sacrifice it is if I had never done it. But I have loved every single minute of it." Messer was elected in 2017 to the board. He and his husband, Jimmy Musuraca-Messer, live in North Avondale with their four children. Messer calls their family unit the "Messer Party of Six."