Vito Fossella says he won’t run again

Ending weeks of speculation, former Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) announced Wednesday he will not run for his old seat.

"I will not seek election to Congress this year," Fossella told reporters at a press conference in New York City. "I'm frankly at a very good place in my life. I'm where I need to be and where I want to be."

The former Staten Island congressman was forced into retirement during the last cycle after a 2008 drunken-driving arrest revealed he had fathered a daughter with his mistress. Fossella is married and has three children with his wife.

Fossella said he was "humbled and honored" by the Staten Island GOP executive committee's endorsement, "but I am not prepared to run," according to the New York Daily News.

The Sept. 14 primary is now between Republicans Michael Grimm and Michael Allegretti. They’re vying for the nod to face freshman Rep. Michael McMahon (D-N.Y.). McMahon is a top GOP target and faces a tough reelection bid. He angered his party’s base by voting against the healthcare reform bill. 

Updated at 3:13 p.m.