Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is dropping out of the mayoral race and announced his retirement from public office altogether.

Diaz says he intends to finish his third term as Bronx Borough President through 2021, and cites a lack of passion when it came to finishing a mayoral run.

"I'm blessed, I am at peace. I am," he said. "I feel a sense of relief, but again, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. It's not like I am retiring tomorrow."

As for what comes next, Diaz says he hasn't given it much thought. But he does know he wants to spend more time with his family -- especially with one of his sons who is an Army lieutenant stationed in Germany.

The borough president has spent his entire adult life in public office. He was elected to the state assembly when he was 23.

The news of his retirement came as a shock to Bronx residents.

The New York Times reports Diaz eased off his campaign fundraising while grappling with his decision. He will return all donations, according to the Times.