Longtime North Carolina Rep. G.K. Butterfield says he will not run for re-election in 2022. He is the second Democratic congressman from North Carolina to announce his retirement.

Butterfield has represented northeast North Carolina in Congress since 2004. Earlier this year, Butterfield said he planned to run again next year, but redistricting by the GOP-led General Assembly took some of his Democratic base out of his district.

"It is time for me to retire and pass the torch to someone who shares the values of the district and continued the work I have labored so hard for the past 18 years," Buttterfield said in a video announcing his decision Thursday.  

Butterfield, from Wilson, is serving his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Every ten years, the North Carolina legislature enacts a new congressional map. The map that was recently enacted by the legislature is a partisan map racially gerrymandered" Butterfield said. "It will disenfranchise African-American communities all across the 1st Congressional District."

Butterfield said he is "disappointed" in the leaders at the General Assembly for "putting their party politics over the best interests of North Carolinian."

Earlier this month, the National Republican Campaign Committee added Butterfield's district to its list of seats it is targeting to flip to GOP control. The NRCC also lists Wake County Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross as another Democrat they consider vulnerable in the 2022 elections.

North Carolina Democrat Rep. David Price announced last month that he plans to retire.

Butterfield thanked his staff and supporters.

"To the residents of the 1st District, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Congress, serving my community, my state and my country has been one of my greatest priviledges for which I will be forever greatful," he said in the video.

"I am proud of my work in Congress on behalf of my constituents and my life's work fighting for greater fairness and equity will not cease, even after the close of the 117th Congress," he said. "While the challenges our nation faces are great, I am confident that our best days are yet ahead."

Tributes to the congressman came in from both sides of the aisle.

“Representative G.K. Butterfield has been a key member of the North Carolina delegation and he will be missed. It has been an honor working alongside him to secure key wins for HBCUs, infrastructure projects, and economic development for eastern North Carolina," Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican, said in a statement.

"I look forward to continuing our work this Congress to finally grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Indian Tribe. Susan and I wish him the best in his retirement and appreciate his work for North Carolinians,” Tillis said.

"Congressman Butterfield is an outstanding Member of Congress and an extraordinary leader for the people of North Carolina. At this critical moment for our democracy, our state and our nation will miss his powerful moral leadership," said Rep. Deborah Ross, a Wake County Democrat.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Thursday thanked Butterfield for his work in Congress.

"Congressman G.K. Butterfield is an esteemed and effective leader in the Congress and the Country, who has dedicated his life to fighting For The People. From the courtroom to the Congress, Congressman Butterfield has made it his mission for expand opportunity in America, and he has succeeded," she said.

"Congressman Butterfield’s leadership to protect our elections and to fight voter suppression – leading to passage of the SAFE Act and H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act – has made a difference in ensuring that every American can make their voice heard and have a say in their democracy," she said. "On the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, he has been a strong voice to advance the health, financial security and well-being of all Americans, particularly those too often left out and left behind of the 21st Century Economy."