[UPDATE] Ackerman Says He Will Not Seek Re-election

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-Bayside, said today that he did not plan to run for re-election.

The congressman, who has served for 15 terms, had . But Ackerman told Democratic leaders Thursday that he did not plan to seek another term.

"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 years as a member of Congress," Ackerman said. "I've been truly privileged to have had the opportunity to fight for the beliefs of my neighbors in both the State Capital and the halls of Congress."

The congressman said he intended to remain involved as a private citizen in local and global issues related to his congressional activities.

His term of office will end on Jan. 2, 2013.

On Thursday afternoon, Assemblyman Rory Lancman, D-Fresh Meadows, , saying he did not intend to compete against Ackerman.

His campaign has so far not replied to a request for comment.

In an email, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee thanked Ackerman for his years of service.

"For nearly 30 years, Congressman Gary Ackerman has served the people of New York and worked tirelessly in their service," DCCC Chairman Steve Israel wrote. “He’s been a leader on the Foreign Affairs Committee, particularly when it comes to the Middle East, and been a staunch and steadfast ally for Israel.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg also praised Ackerman's 34 years of service.

"The borough of Queens - and the people of Israel, Africa and so many other areas of the world - have rarely had a stronger ally in Congress, and our entire nation will miss Gary's encyclopedic knowledge of foreign policy and so many other issues," the mayor said.