Heather R. Mizeur, who ran a spirited insurgent race for the Democratic nomination for governor last year, said Wednesday that she will not be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2016.
Mizeur also told The Baltimore Sun she had never considered a run for the 8th District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who is running to succeed retiring Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski.
A former state delegate from Montgomery County, Mizeur said she was encouraged by supporters to run for the Senate and gave it much thought because of her regard for Mikulski. However, she said she decided not to run for personal reasons.
"Ultimately, I'm just not ready to embark so soon on a grueling statewide campaign," Mizeur said. She said she is not ruling out a return to elective politics in the gubernatorial election year of 2018.