A bittersweet celebration for one of the Coachella Valley's political leaders marked the end of one journey and started buzz of a new one.

More than 200 people gathered at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Sunday evening to honor 14 years of legislative service by Sen. Jim Battin, R-La Quinta.

Proceeds from the event went to Shelter from the Storm, a local organization that provides shelter and services to women and children facing abuse.

Battin, who represents the 37th Senate District, terms out of the legislature this year.

“It was a great run and I'm very, very honored to have been able to serve my constituents in the Coachella Valley,” Battin said during the event's reception.

But the big question of the night: Is Battin out of the political arena for good?

“I don't know if he's done,” said Mary Battin, the senator's wife, “but he loves politics and his community, and if an opportunity arises, I'm sure he'd step in.”

Battin said that he's made no plans to seek a new office and wouldn't expand further except to say: “I'll be involved in politics, undoubtedly.”

Montana-raised and the son of five-term Congressman and U.S. District Court Judge James F. Battin, the senator was a former television executive and worked for KMIR, the local NBC affiliate, for 10 years.

He was later elected to the 80th state Assembly District in 1994 and to the 37th Senate District in 2000.

Now, after more than a decade in politics, the Battin family is anxious to see what's next.

“He's looking forward to a private life,” Mary Battin said. “And we both are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.”

Assemblyman John Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, is also hopeful for what the future will bring as he vies for the 37th Senate District seat this November against Arthur Bravo Guerrero.

“I'm excited with the prospect of filling Jim's spot,” Benoit said. “But it'll definitely be big shoes to fill.”