Senior Democratic aides say two House Democrats -- Carolyn McCarthy of New York and Mike McIntyre of North Carolina -- plan to retire.

McCarthy, who has served nine terms, was elected shortly after her husband was killed in a shooting on the Long Island Railroad. She has been a forceful advocate for gun control.

McIntrye is one of the few remaining Southern Democrats in the House and also has served for nine terms. He survived the Republican sweep in 2010 and redrawn congressional lines in 2012. His retirement gives the Republicans a strong chance of winning the seat.

The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss the decisions ahead of formal announcements.