Albany Herald

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, represents Georgia's 14th Congressional District. (March 4, 2013)

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, announced Monday he will not seek the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Moultrie, when Chambliss' current term expires in 2014.

Graves said he plans to continue representing Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

“The last several weeks have been a very exciting time for me and my family as we considered the opportunity to serve Georgia in the United States Senate," Graves said Monday in a statement. "It has been an honor to receive so much support from Georgians and grassroots conservatives around the country, and I am confident that we would run a very competitive campaign. My decision rested on what would be best for my family, my district and the state of Georgia, and I have concluded that the right path for now is to forgo this Senate race and continue serving in my current role.

"After receiving so much encouragement to enter the race, I now know we are at the beginning of a long journey in Georgia state politics. I look forward to taking on a greater leadership role in our congressional delegation as many of our senior members enter the primary, and it is important for my supporters to know that I intend to continue preparing for future."

Chambliss has announced that he would not stand for re-election to the Senate seat he has held since 2003. The seat is up for election next year with the winner to take office in January 2015.

Graves had been seen as one of the possible GOP candidates to succeed Chambliss. U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Athens, has announced his intentions to run for the seat.

No Democrats have formally announced plans to run for the office.