By Shira Toeplitz, CQ-Roll Call

Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.) has decided not to seek re-election in November, citing the fact that his life is “taking a new direction.”

In a taped video message set to air Sunday in Rhode Island, Kennedy pointed to the death of his father, the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), whom he called his “ultimate source of spirit and strength.”

“Now, having spent two decades in politics, my life has taken a new direction, and I will not be a candidate for re-election this year,” Kennedy said in the video.

The younger Kennedy was first elected to the House in 1994 and has had a headline-grabbing career during his tenure. Most notably, he entered a substance abuse rehabilitation facility after a late-night car crash near the Capitol in 2006. More recently he re-entered a rehabilitation facility this past summer. He alluded to his addiction in his statement in the video.

“I’m so grateful the people of Rhode Island,” he said. “When I made a misstep, suffered setbacks, you responded not with contempt, but with compassion.”

Rhode Island’s 1st district is strongly Democratic territory, although in the current political environment the party is not guaranteed of holding the seat. The party’s chances of keeping his father’s Senate seat were considered safe before Sen. Scott P. Brown ’s (R-Mass.) upset victory last month.

Republicans have made noise about targeting Kennedy from time to time, but he has not had a serious re-election challenge since winning in 1994. No doubt there will be several Democrats interested in running for his seat. On the Republican side, state Rep. John Loughlin (R) made his bid official last week.

Kennedy is the 13th House Democrat to announce plans to retire or run for other office this cycle. His move follows Rep. Diane Watson ’s (D-Calif.) announcement Thursday that she will not run again in November.

Kennedy served as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee during the 2000 election cycle, but that was his only leadership post. Due to his last name, he has been a valued fundraiser for House Democrats and the party in general.