Massachusetts Rep. John Tierney, a favorite of the House Democratic leadership, has decided against running in the special election for the Senate seat left vacant by the Aug. 25 death of Democrat Edward M. Kennedy.

“A great number of people have kindly urged me to run for the United States Senate,” Tierney said in a statement released Monday morning. “I have given the matter serious consideration and determined that, at this time, I can best be of service in the U.S. House of Representatives — continuing to work to make education more affordable and accessible, to build and strengthen our nation’s workforce, to enact meaningful health care reform and to ensure we have a pragmatic foreign policy.”

He continued, “These and other serious matters must be addressed in the coming weeks and months and they, along with my constituents, warrant my full attention.”