The upcoming race for Alabama’s 6th Congressional District seat was shaken up Wednesday morning when Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, announced that he will not run for congress, but will instead seek re-election to the state senate.

“I am honored to be regarded as a potential candidate in the race to succeed my former boss Rep. Bachus in Alabama’s 6th Congressional seat,” Ward said in a statement. “The outpouring of support has been both overwhelming and humbling. But, in 2014 I will stand for re-election to the Alabama Senate as planned.”

Ward was widely viewed by insiders as one of the most formidable potential candidates in the 6th Congressional District. His current state senate district occupies a large portion of Shelby County, making him one of the most widely known elected officials in the southern part of AL-06.

[READ: Who will be Alabama’s next 6th Congressional District representative?.]

Ward’s decision to stay in the Alabama Senate was made in large part due to his desire to stay close to home with his wife and 11-year-old daughter. He also sees a pathway to move up on the state level, with Attorney General and Lt. Governor both opening up in 2018.

“There will be other public service opportunities for me and my family but not this year,” Ward said. “God has given me a short window of time to spend with a little girl who means more to me than anything in this world. I can’t feel comfortable sacrificing the memories and time away it would require to do the job of US Congressman right for the people of our state.”

Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills, has served as Alabama’s 6th Congressional District representative since 1993. He announced Monday that his current term, which expires in 2014, will be his last.

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