“My family and I have decided to move to the State of Florida to pursue a wonderful opportunity,” Lopez wrote in a statement posted on Facebook. “Our move from Westampton will be a sad moment for us, as we have loved becoming active in our community in so many ways. My tenure as a member of the Township Committee has always been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life; I will always cherish my service to our community.”

A Republican, Lopez was elected to the Township Committee in 2015 and served as the town’s deputy mayor in 2016 and 2017. He also worked as a member of former Gov. Chris Christie’s administration throughout Christie’s two terms, serving as Christie’s director of Hispanic Affairs and later as Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno’s deputy chief of staff, according to the Burlington County Times.

Now he’s running for mayor of his new town.