Florida Rep. Connie Mack IV (R) on Thursday took his name out of consideration in the race to replace retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R) in Florida.

Mack, the son and namesake of the former Senator from the Sunshine State, announced his decision in a letter to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R), who is also considering the Senate race and is widely considered to be the GOP’s top potential candidate. Mack also informed Crist that he would support the governor if he decided to enter the Senate contest.

“As you contemplate your own political future, I will be your strongest supporter and champion — regardless of whether you seek re-election or election to the Senate,— Mack wrote in the letter.

Mack’s announcement comes one day after fellow Rep. Kendrick Meek (D), who entered the Senate race in January, announced that he had raised nearly $1.5 million for his Senate campaign in the first quarter of the year.