Rep. Westmoreland won't run for Senate in Georgia

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) won't run for the Senate, he announced Monday evening.

"I would like to thank those who offered their encouragement and support over the last week as I considered a run for the United States Senate. After discussing it with family and friends, and after much deliberation and prayer, I have made the decision to not pursue a statewide office at this time," he said in a statement.

Westmoreland recently received a slot on the House Financial Services Committee and an expanded portfolio working with the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the GOP field to replace retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) is shaping up to be a crowded one. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) is fundraising hard as he considers a run, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) is expected to offically announce his campaign later this week, and Reps. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) and Tom Graves (R-Ga.) are also seriously considering bids for the seat.

The potential Democratic field also shrank on Monday, as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (D) ruled out a bid for the seat.

This post was updated at 6:25 p.m.