Texas Rep. Gonzalez Will Not Seek Reelection in 2012

Democratic Rep. Charles Gonzalez plans to retire after the end of his current term.

The seven-term Texas congressman, who also chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, made the announcement over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

His family has represented the San Antonio area in Congress for decades. Gonzalez' father Henry represented the 20th District of Texas from 1961 until Charles Gonzalez succeeded him in 1999.

One senior source told Fox News that Gonzalez' retirement comes as a "total surprise."

Top Democratic officials released statements Saturday praising the congressman's record of service.

"For a combined 50 years, Charlie Gonzalez and his father have represented Texas' 20th Congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. In Congress, Charlie has fought tirelessly for a cleaner environment, Wall Street reform and more accessible health care for Texans," President Obama said.

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer called Gonzalez a "tireless advocate for the people of Texas."