U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Howell) announced today that he will not be running for U.S. Senate. In March, Sen. Levin (D-Detroit) announced he would not seek a seventh Senate term in 2014.

Congressman Rogers was considered a long-shot to run for the seat. In seeking the Republican nomination, he would be surrendering a safe House seat and chairmanship on the powerful House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

In his announcement, Congressman Rogers said, “I am truly humbled by the encouragement I have had to run for the United States Senate. After careful and thorough deliberation and long talks with my family, friends and supporters, I have determined that the best way for me to continue to have a direct impact for my constituents and the nation is to remain in the House of Representatives,” Mr. Rogers (R-Brighton) said in a statement. “For me, the significance and depth of the impact I can make on my constituent's behalf far outweighs the perceived importance of any title I might hold.”

The Congressman’s decision comes less than two weeks after former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R-Grand Rapids) officially announced she will be seeking the Republican nomination for the seat. However, former Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis, Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw Township), Rep. Pete Lund (R-Shelby Township), and U.S. Rep. Justin Amash (R-Grand Rapids) are all rumored to be considering seeking the GOP nomination as well.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) has largely secured the Democratic nomination.