Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) announced Wednesday afternoon that she will not seek re-election.

McCarthy, 70, was diagnosed last year with lung cancer and began chemotherapy sessions last summer.

The eight-term congresswoman has been a strong advocate for gun control since after her husband was killed in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. Her son was injured during the incident.

McCarthy also served on the education committee and has helped pass legislation on health and finance.

The 4th Congressional District covers a diverse area that includes Garden City Park, Mineola and New Cassel down to Atlantic Beach and Wantagh. Political analyst Jerry Kremer says there will be lots of competition for her seat in November.

Kremer says the front-runner for the seat is Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice. Kremer says Jack Martens, of Mineola, could top the list of candidates on the Republican side.