You got a good schtick and you're giving it up because why? They complained?
I suspect he’s figured out they’re catching onto it. His most recent opponent , despite having lived in Ithaca previously, changed her residence to another city before running.
Maybe he plans to keep running. It’s likely after 2020 that NYS will lose another 1 to 2 House districts. Reed’s district has been gerrymandered before. Maybe he’s thinking it will again. If so, it will likely be to get rid of Reed.