Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a rising Democratic star who spoke at his party’s national convention, has chosen a 2014 run for U.S. Senate over a challenge to Republican Governor Chris Christie next year, according to three people familiar with his plans.

Booker, 43, opted against challenging the New Jersey governor, who is seeking re-election. Instead, the mayor will seek the seat now held by Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg, an 88-year-old serving his fifth term, said the people, who weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the mayor’s decision.

To contact the reporter on this story: Terrence Dopp in Trenton at tdopp@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mark Schoifet at mschoifet@bloomberg.net