Cory Booker To Run For Senate In 2014: Sources

Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) will not challenge Gov. Chris Christie (R) in 2013, choosing instead to seek Democrat Frank Lautenberg's Senate seat in 2014, according to NBC 4 New York.

Sources told PolitickerNJ.com Booker would pass up the chance to challenge Christie, whose approval rating hit a high point after his actions in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Booker called Democratic party leaders Thursday morning to inform them of his plans, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Booker said earlier he was "absolutely considering" a gubernatorial run, calling Christie "vulnerable." Elizabeth, N.J. Mayor Chris Bollwage (D) told The Huffington Post Booker's past uncertainty on his future plans had "frozen" the state's Democratic Party.

Rep. Frank Pallone has also expressed interest in Lautenberg's seat.

UPDATE -- 11:35 a.m.: Booker said he'd explore a run for senate in an op-ed in the Newark Star-Ledger. Click here to read the op-ed.