New Jersey State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg said Wednesday that she will be retiring when her term ends early next year, after three decades in the state Legislature.

"I've told people that I feel overwhelmed, I feel emotional, but I don't feel conflicted about my decision. This is my time,” Weinberg said.

Weinberg has served since 2012 as the Democratic majority leader and has represented Bergen County in the Legislature since 1992, first in the Assembly and in the Senate since 2005. She fought for same-sex marriage equality and paid sick leave, and advocated for riders of NJ Transit.

She has a reputation as a supporter of transparency in government, and she has also been a political lightning rod, drawing the ire of former Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

New Jersey’s other politicians reacted to Weinberg’s announcement.

Senate President Steve Sweeney wrote, "This will be a profound loss for the Senate as an institution and for me personally......Loretta Weinberg is the Lioness of the New Jersey Senate. She is fearless in speaking her mind and standing up for her beliefs..."

Gov. Phil Murphy said, "Senator Weinberg has been a singular voice in the Statehouse championing progressive action since she entered the General Assembly in 1992."

Weinberg will be 86 in February and says she wants to spend more time with her family and doing things she enjoys.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.