Longtime New York Congressman Ed Towns, D-N.Y., announced Monday that he will not seek re-election for a sixteenth term in November.
Towns, who has served in the House since 1983, said that his decision not to seek re-election came after months of long family discussions.
"I am very grateful for the support we have received over the years," Towns said in a statement. "I believe firmly that we would have won a 16th term had we decided to run."
He added, "It has been an honor to have fought so that the people of New York can have more opportunities and a chance to live better lives."
The announcement comes as Towns had been facing a tough primary challenge from New York Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries. New York City Councilman Charles Barron is also running for the seat.
A statement from President Barack Obama praised Towns' efforts to improve the public healthcare system, strengthen consumer protections and improve the public education system.
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