Strom Thurmond's son won't run for Tim Scott's House seat

South Carolina state Sen. Paul Thurmond (R), the son of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), has decided against a second bid for Congress.

Thurmond finished in second place to Tim Scott in his first bid for the seat in 2010. Scott will soon appointed to the Senate to replace Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), leaving an open House seat.

"After thoughtful consideration and prayer, consultation with my family and countless calls from constituents, I am convinced that I can best serve the people of [Senate] district 41 by ending any speculation about my interest in the open congressional seat," Thurmond told supporters in a statement earlier this week. "I will not run in the 1st district congressional special election. I will focus all of my energies on implementing the policies that are important to my constituents as their state senator."

Thurmond's decision doesn't mean the race will lack a high-profile candidate: Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) and his ex-wife, former South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford, are said to be interested in running for the seat, though it's unlikely they would run against one another.

The conservative Charleston-based seat is likely to elect a Republican.