Boston Councilor Ross Opts Against Congressional Run

Boston City Councilor Michael Ross has decided not to run for the congressional seat held by retiring Rep. Barney Frank.

Ross launched an exploratory committee last month to consider a bid in the 4th Congressional District, which includes Newton, Ross' hometown.

"With these challenges facing our country in mind and after long personal deliberation, I have come to the difficult decision that a run for this congressional seat is not the best decision for me at this time," Ross said in a statement released Monday.

Several others have launched campaigns, or are considering a run, including Joseph Kennedy III, the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, and Republican Sean Bielat, who ran against Frank in 2010.