U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak says he won't seek the Democratic nomination for Michigan governor this year and instead will run for re-election.
Stupak said in a statement Tuesday that he believes he can best serve the people of Michigan in Congress.
The former state trooper and a gun-rights advocate holds powerful committee assignments. He has been deeply involved in negotiations over the health care overhaul bill and language restricting how abortions are covered by insurance.
The 57-year-old Stupak has held the 1st District seat in northern Michigan since 1993.
Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry, the presumptive Democratic front-runner in the gubernatorial race, withdrew his name earlier this month, opening up the race and drawing the attention of other Democrats.
