Bakersfield City Councilman Willie Rivera said he will not seek re-election when his term expires in 2018.

Rivera made the comments on Wednesday’s episode of “The Richard Beene Show,” and Rivera added he has no plans to seek another public office. Just 26 years old, Rivera was the youngest person to ever win election to the Bakersfield City Council in 2013, but after he completes his second term he is walking away.

“I have absolutely no problem in letting go, and letting someone else give in their best foot,” Rivera told Richard Beene during a 21-minute interview.

LISTEN TO RIVERA’S ANNOUNCEMENT:

Rivera represents Ward 1, which encompasses southeast Bakersfield, and there has been growing criticism among some in the area that not enough is being done to make improvements there.

“I think everyone has a right to give their idea of what is happening, and I will be the first to admit that things can be better, and they should be,” Rivera said.

“This is what you deal with, you put your name on a ballot, and it’s damn near impossible to make everybody happy.”

Rivera said he’s not backing a replacement.