Middlesex DA Leone Won't Pursue U.S. Senate Run

Middlesex County District Attorney Gerard Leone has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate after all.

Leone told news outlets over the weekend that he was considering a run for the seat left open by John Kerry's resignation to become secretary of state.

Leone, a Democrat, issued a statement Monday saying that while the U.S. Senate is a wonderful public service opportunity, it's "not the right next step" for him.

Leone has announced he won't seek a third term as district attorney. He said Monday that he remains firm in his decision to leave government service to pursue other opportunities.

The only declared Democratic candidates are U.S. Reps. Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch.

The primaries are set for April 30. The special election is scheduled for June 25.

-- Here's Leone's statement:

After having considered the prospects of a run for U.S. Senate, I remain of the same mind that I expressed in my announcement to forego seeking reelection as Middlesex District Attorney, and I remain firm in my decision to leave electoral politics and government service to pursue other career opportunities. Although the U.S. Senate is a wonderful public service opportunity to do significant and gratifying things for people, I have decided that it is not the right next step for me by way of the job or the lifestyle. These are highly personal decisions, that are never wrong nor regrettable when made in the best interest of family.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom