Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) will not be responding to Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s decision to explore a campaign for his seat — at least, not until next year. 

“Senator Lautenberg is focused on passing a critical disaster relief bill for New Jersey and addressing America’s broken gun laws,” spokesman Caley Gray said. ”The last several months and weeks have been a painful time for New Jersey and America, and the Senator is working on the tough issues we face. This is not the time for political distractions and the Senator will address politics next year.”

Lautenberg will turn 89 in January; he is the oldest member of the Senate. Booker said Thursday that he will confer with the senator as he makes his final decision about a Senate run. 

“I look forward to consulting with Sen. Frank Lautenberg. It would be a privilege and honor to continue his legacy of service,” said Booker in his video. But Lautenberg has said in the past that he intends to run for a sixth term.