California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer announced that she will not seek re-election to a new term next year.

ABC News reported the senator, who is known as a supporter of abortion rights, gun control and environmental protections, is most proud of the vote she cast against the war in Iraq.

"I am never going to retire. The work is too important, but I will not be running for the Senate in 2016," Boxer said in an interview with her grandson, Zach Rodham, who is the son of Nicole Boxer and Hillary Clinton's youngest brother, Tony Rodham.

"I want to help our Democratic candidate for president make history," Boxer said referring to a possible bid by Clinton. "So although I won't be working in my Senate space and I won't be running in that next tough race, as long as there are issues and challenges and strife, I will never retire because that's the meaning of my life."

The tenacious liberal was a big part of the new era for women at the higher bracket of political powers. Boxer won the Senate election in 1992. She was first elected to the House in 1982.

"I always knew I had a partner in Barbara," Sen. Dianne Feinstein said. "She is never one to shy away from any challenge, and I can't thank her enough for being such a resilient collaborator."

The House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi was surprised about Boxer's decision but said the 4-foot 11-inch Boxer is "small in size but a giant in terms of contributions to her country."

During the height of the war in Iraq, Boxer challenged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's integrity by telling her that she believed her "loyalty to the mission you were given, to sell this war, overwhelmed your respect for the truth."

Over the years, Boxer has been known for riling up conservatives in debates.

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