North Carolina Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler won't seek re-election to the House, potentially making it harder for the Democrats' effort to win seats in the Republican-controlled House.
The former professional football player and conservative who challenged House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi for her post announced in a statement Thursday that he will not seek a fourth House term.
Shuler says he and his family had discussed him running for governor before deciding against it earlier this week. Shuler's statement says he intends to spend more time with his wife and two young children.
Republicans in the North Carolina Legislature redrew the state congressional lines, making Shuler's district friendlier to the GOP.
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