CARSON CITY (AP) — Nevada Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison is ruling himself out of the race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Harry Reid.
The Republican told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he won't be a candidate in the race, but plans to diligently support fellow Republicans in the 2016 election cycle.
Hutchison's name was among several that have been thrown around as potential Republican successors to Reid, who announced in March that he wouldn't seek a sixth term.
Gov. Brian Sandoval was considered the most formidable potential Republican foe, but he announced Tuesday that he wouldn't seek the post.
Republican Rep. Joe Heck is another serious contender, and said that he plans to announce soon whether he'll run.
