New York, NY —

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney will not challenge Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in the state's Democratic primary.

Maloney says in a statement to be released Friday that she plans to stay in the House of Representatives. She says her decision was based on a desire to deal with current challenges including health care reform, clean energy issues and the economy.

Gillibrand was appointed in January to fill the seat vacated by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's appointment as secretary of state. President Barack Obama and other top national Democrats have come out in support of Gillibrand to clear the field for her 2010 campaign.

Maloney, a nine-term congresswoman, represents Manhattan's Upper East Side.