Republicans’ hopes of ousting freshman Democrat Jim Himes in Connecticut’s 4th District suffered a serious blow, as heavily recruited GOP state legislator John McKinney has taken himself out of the running.

John Mckinney

McKinney, the state Senate minority leader and son of a former 4th District representative, told the Greenwich Time for a story published Wednesday that his decision was based on family considerations.

“It is definitely my intention to run for re-election to the state Senate,” McKinney said. “The course I’m choosing right now gives me the opportunity to do something I love, which is to help others; be a public servant; help the people of the state of Connecticut; and at the same time it allows me to stay at home and be the father I want to be for my kids.”