Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.) announced Friday that he is battling colon cancer, but he remains optimistic about his prognosis and said he will seek re-election.

“They expect my full recovery, as do I,” Payne said in a statement, referring to his medical team.

“I look forward to continuing to serve as a Member of Congress for many years to come,” Payne added in the statement, indicating that the prognosis will have no effect on his upcoming campaign for re-election.

Newark Councilman Ronald Rice is in the exploratory phase of challenging Payne for the Democratic nomination in the 10th district.