U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) told the Star-Ledger he does not intend to run for re-election.

“I am not announcing the end of anything," Lautenberg told the Ledger. "I am announcing 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.”

NBC's Brian Thompson first reported the news last year that Lautenberg would not run again, a report the senator's staff denied.

“I will be traveling to my hometown of Paterson tomorrow to announce that I will not seek re-election in 2014," Lautenberg said. "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."  

Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, issued a statement.

“Senator Frank Lautenberg has been an extraordinary public servant, representing the people of New Jersey in the United States Senate for five terms," Wisniewski said. "New Jersey is better for having had Senator Lautenberg represent us in Washington and I thank him for his service. I look forward to his work over the next two years, as he continues to lead the fight for responsible, common-sense gun legislation and federal funding for the important transportation infrastructure projects our state needs.”