Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg Won't Run In 2014, Opening Door For Cory Booker
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 14, 2013
Modified Feb 14, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 14, 2013
Modified Feb 14, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A day after the NY Times' story about how he "does not go gentle," longtime NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg, 89, announced he will not run for re-election in 2014. He told the Star-Ledger, "I am not announcing the end of anything," Lautenberg said. "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."
He added, "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."
Of course, this means that Newark Mayor Cory Booker has an easier path on the way to the Democratic Senate primary. Lautenberg was pretty annoyed when Booker announced he would run for Senate in 2014, since he hadn't said anything about retiring.
Booker said today, "Senator Frank Lautenberg has been a champion for the people of New Jersey for decades and his legacy of service will improve the lives of all American's for years to come."
The Star-Ledger gives perspective on Lautenberg's career:
Lautenberg, who was a successful businessman, has been one of the Senate's most strident liberal voices over an approximately 30-year career, parrying with Democrats and Republicans alike on a broad array of domestic issues.
Recently, he has been a leader in pushing to renew a lapsed ban on assault weapons and restricting the size of ammunition magazines. He has been one of the biggest backers of Amtrak, and has clashed with the tobacco industry over the years, spearheading the effort to ban smoking on domestic airplane flights . He also sponsored a bill to withhold federal funds from states that did not raise their drinking age to 21, and helped rewrite hazardous waste cleanup law.
At home, he has tangled with Gov. Chris Christie on a number of issues, criticizing the Republican governor for slashing funds for the poor, nixing a new rail tunnel linking New Jersey and New York and merging Rutgers-Camden with Rowan University. And he has been critical of Democrats who have formed their own cozy relationships with Christie, accusing them of weakening the party.
President Obama also addressed the news, "Frank is a steadfast champion of the people of New Jersey. Throughout his time in the Senate, Frank has fought tirelessly for workers, veterans, members of our military and their families, and immigrants, and he continues to make extraordinary contributions to our nation’s safety, and the health and welfare of our citizens. His service in World War II is a testament to his character and deep commitment to public service. I look forward to working with Frank on critical issues before us these next two years, and Michelle and I wish him and Bonnie all the best."
Tagged
cory booker
frank lautenberg
nj
president obama
senate
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Why New Yorkers should care about bats beyond spooky season
As Bat Week begins, state wildlife officials urge New Yorkers to protect bats, which play an important role in the environment.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 25, 2026 at 6:44 p.m. ET
Serbians forced to wait hours to vote at NYC consulate as Balkan nation holds election
Early voting may have kicked off in New York this weekend, but Serbian immigrants seeking to vote had a much tighter window on Sunday.
By
Jill Webb
and
Michael Sol Warren
News
Serbians forced to wait hours to vote at NYC consulate as Balkan nation holds election
Early voting may have kicked off in New York this weekend, but Serbian immigrants seeking to vote had a much tighter window on Sunday.
By
Jill Webb
and
Michael Sol Warren
Retired NYPD detective charged in George Washington Bridge killing out on $1M bail
By
Michael Sol Warren
Suicides decline in NYC, but inequities persist across groups
By
Jill Webb
Cuts to rural healthcare become key issue for upstate votes in race for NY governor
By
Samuel King
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .