Frank Says He Won't Run for Re-election

(Newsroom America) -- Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said Monday he would not run for reelection, ending a 32-year career in the House amid more than a dozen other Democrats who have also chosen not to run again.

Frank was the ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee and the co-author, with Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., of sweeping financial reform legislation in 2010.

Frank, who announced his retirement at a 1 p.m. EDT press conference, said redistricting factored heavily into his decision.

Frank, 71, was elected in 1980 and survived early scandal to become the House's most openly gay member.

President Barack Obama praised Frank's service.

"This country has never had a Congressman like Barney Frank, and the House of Representatives will not be the same without him," the president said in a statement. "It is only thanks to his leadership that we were able to pass the most sweeping financial reform in history designed to protect consumers and prevent the kind of excessive risk-taking that led to the financial crisis from ever happening again."

Redistricting has made Frank's seat somewhat more competitive for Republicans but Democrats vowed it would remain in their control. He said his decision was "precipitated by congressional redistricting, not entirely caused by it," adding he had "other things I'd like to do in my life before my career is over."

Frank becomes the 17th House Democrat to announce their retirement, compared with seven Republicans, The Hill reported. Of those Republicans, all are running for higher office, while just eight of the 17 Democrats are doing so.

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