New York, Oct 27 (TIWN) Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the US Congress, has announced she will not be running for re-election next year.

“I’m so grateful to the people of HawaiÊ»i for allowing me to serve you in Congress for the last 7 years. Throughout my life, I’ve always made my decisions based on where I felt I could do the most good,” Gabbard wrote in a series of tweets that included a video message and a link to a lengthy statement.  “In light of the challenges we face, I believe I can … best serve the people of HawaiÊ»i & our country as President and Commander-in-Chief,” she added.