Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, who is currently the oldest member of the Senate at age 89, has announced today that he will not seek a sixth term and will retire in two years when his term ends.
Lautenberg will be traveling to his hometown of Patterson, New Jersey to formally announce that he will not seek re-election tomorrow. This is the statement that was issued today:
“I will be traveling to my hometown of Paterson tomorrow to announce that I will not seek re-election in 2014. This is not the end of anything, but rather the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals, and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey. While I may not be seeking re-election, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term and I’m going to keep fighting as hard as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.”
Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker has been vocal about wanting to succeed Lautenberg in the Senate. Booker announced his candidacy back in December before Lautenberg’s decision to retire at the end of his term. As recently as a few weeks ago, Lautenberg suggested “spanking” Booker for announcing his candidacy prior to waiting for his signal to retire. While Booker is considered a favorite in the race, it’s been reported that Congressman Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District, is also expected to run in the Democratic primary.
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