Veteran lawmaker won’t seek re-election to state senate seat

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - A veteran New Jersey lawmaker is ending his political career.

State Sen. Jim Whelan announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election this year.

The 68-year-old Democrat served three terms as mayor of Atlantic City before losing a re-election bid in 2001. He then won a state Assembly seat in 2005 before being elected to his senate seat two years later.

A teacher by trade, Whelan said he has had a great run in politics. But he’s decided that now is “the right time” to leave.

Whelan represents the 2nd Legislative District, which includes Atlantic City and several other communities in Atlantic County.