“Recently, many New Hampshire citizens have urged me to run for United States Senate. I appreciate their confidence in me,” Ayotte said in a news release. “After discussing this matter with my husband, Joe, and our family, I have decided to resign as Attorney General in order to explore a campaign for the United States Senate.” Ayotte’s resignation will be effective July 17.

Republican Sen. Judd Gregg is retiring in Jan. 2011, leaving open a seat in a highly competitive state. Republicans have been searching for a major GOP candidate to face Democratic Rep. Paul W. Hodes, who appears to face no strong competition for his party’s nomination in the Senate race.