By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Alabama Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, will not run for a spot in the U.S. Congress next year, he announced on Oct. 2.

Longtime Alabama U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus recently announced he will not seek re-election to Alabama’s 6^th Congressional seat, raising speculation about Ward’s interest in the seat.

“I am honored to be regarded as a potential candidate in the race to succeed my former boss Rep. Bachus in Alabama’s 6^th Congressional seat,” Ward wrote in an email. “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 is serving his first term on the Alabama Senate, and previously served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Ward cited family concerns and an interest in continuing his service in state government as reasons for not entering the U.S. congressional race.

“There will be other public service opportunities for me and my family, but not this year. 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,” Ward wrote. “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.”

Ward called the U.S. Congress “dysfunctional,” and said he will remain “focused on getting things done” at the state level.”

While I am closing the door on this race, I do look forward to continuing public service. For those who know my family personally, you will not be surprised I have chosen to follow a path that allows me to be the strong presence I want to be for Riley at this age,” Ward wrote. “As a dad, being available for her during this time is my highest priority. I plan to continue serving Senate District 14, and spend as much time as possible closer to home with my daughter, and my beautiful wife Julie.”