Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election

In this Feb. 16 file photo, Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii speaking during a news conference on Capitol Hill. Akaka says he won't run for re-election next year. (AP2011)

HONOLULU -- Democratic U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii says he won't run for re-election next year.

The 86-year-old announced Wednesday that he'll finish his term and step down after 22 years in the Senate.

Akaka said in a statement that "the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside." He didn't expand on his reasons for not running again.

Last week, Hawaii's other senator -- Daniel Inouye -- said he wouldn't be able to give Akaka financial support for his campaign, as he has in the past.

Democrats hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, including two independents who side with them. But they must defend 21 of the 33 seats on the ballot next year, and face a struggle to retain control.