Rep. Dave Reichert says he's not running for governor

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert has decided to not run for governor, saying that he can better serve the state by remaining in Congress.

In a statement sent Friday afternoon, the Auburn Republican said that he wrestled with the decision, but decided that his efforts were better spent in his role representing the 8th Congressional District.

Reichert, who is serving his sixth term and will be up for re-election next year, was elected to Congress in 2004. He had long been rumored to be a potential challenger to Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who is seeking a second term.

Republican Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant announced earlier this year his entry into the race, and he was recently endorsed by two prominent Republicans, former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton and former Gov. Dan Evans.