Congressman Carolyn Maloney announced Friday that she has decided not to challenge Kirsten Gillibrand for her Senate seat.

In a statement released Friday morning, Maloney said "the right decision" is for her to stay in the House of Representatives and that she would rather devote the time needed to run a Senate campaign to passing legislation.

"I make this decision, not because I fear a tough political fight, but because I love one," Maloney said. "In this Congress, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enact meaningful health care reform, restore the trust and confidence in our financial systems, and take a step toward a clean energy future."

Earlier this summer, Maloney said she was considering running against the junior senator, and in June criticized Gillibrand on how she "could change her position on so many issues that are important to the country, to the city, and to the state within 24 hours."

Maloney had been expected to officially announce her candidacy nearly three weeks ago. She had a campaign apparatus in place and was doing well in the polls.

But there were gaffes, such as when she recently apologized for re-telling a story that included the slur "nigger."

Observers speculate there were even more reasons, like the incredible task of taking on a candidate who has the backing of the Democratic Party machine in New York and Washington, D.C.

"I think people need to really understand how daunting it is to run for United States Senate in New York. It takes millions and millions of dollars," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who had considered challenging Gillibrand, seen right.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Congressman Steve Israel also considered Senate runs, but they backed down after President Barack Obama's administration and other prominent Democrats pressured them not to run.

"I'm a bit dismayed as a Democrat. I think primaries have been good things for the party," said political observer Bill Cunningham.

Gillibrand, who now faces no challengers in the Democratic primary, praised the congresswoman in a Friday statement, calling her a "dedicated public servant and passionate, effective advocate for the issues she fights for."

Some political observers said they were not surprised by Maloney's decision, but said a primary would have made Gillibrand a stronger candidate.