Rep. John Lewis (D-5) announced Tuesday that he will seek reelection next year.

The congressman made the announcement before the Atlanta press club.

Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1986, Lewis will be seeking his 14th consecutive term.

While still a student in Nashville Lewis organized sit-ins, and later became the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. In 1964 he co-led a peaceful march from Selma, Al. to Montgomery to demonstrate the need for voting rights in the state. Alabama state troopers however, attacked the marchers in a confrontation later known as "Bloody Sunday."

In February, Lewis was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his heroism and commitment to the Civil Rights movement.

Representative Lewis says that he still enjoys representing Georgia’s fifth congressional district.

Tags: Atlanta, Congress, Atlanta Press Club, Rep. John Lewis, 5th district