Long-time Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) will retire, the latest victim of this cycle’s redistricting process.

Ackerman had been publicly defiant about running again in his redrawn district, but he has now decided to end his House career instead. Ackerman informed party leaders and colleagues of his decision on Thursday.

“The residents of Queens and Long Island have honored me with their trust and support for the past 34 years, first as a New York State Senator, and for the past 15 terms as a Member of Congress,” Ackerman said in a statement released by his office on Thursday night.

Ackerman added: “I’ve been truly privileged to have had the opportunity to fight for the beliefs of my neighbors in both the State Capital and in the halls of Congress. During my years in Congress, it has been my pleasure to address the needs of thousands of individual constituents and to influence domestic and global policy while serving on the Financial and Foreign Affairs Committees in the House. I am most thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve my country and my community.”

Ackerman was first elected to the House in March 1983 after stints as a teacher and state senator.

He is a senior member of the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services committees.

(Source: Politico)