New York, April 12 (IANS/EFE) Athlete Carl Lewis, winner of nine Olympic gold medals, has announced that he plans to seek a state senate seat from New Jersey, where he grew up.

"When I run - as you see from my record - I run to win," the 49-year-old track and field star said.

Lewis, who is running as a Democrat, said he wants to help young people, families and the elderly through today's hard times.

"We cannot rest until we make sure that our families can afford to live and raise their kids here, that our seniors can remain in their homes and afford their health and pharmaceutical costs," he said.

The athlete who was born July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, but was raised in New Jersey, said that he will soon present a more comprehensive political programme.

Lewis won gold medals in the 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

The elections for the state senate and general assembly in New Jersey will be held in November.