State Rep. Jimmy Naifeh (D) told the Commercial Appeal in Memphis on Tuesday night that he will pass on the race to replace Rep. John Tanner (D) in western Tennessee’s 8th district.

“I feel I can be more effective here in the state House than in Congress,— Naifeh said. “I want to continue the work I’ve done for the people of my district and the state, in trying to improve their quality of life. I’m aware of all the issues we deal with here at the state level and at this time, I don’t feel it’s time for a career change,— he said.

Naifeh was one of several Democrats mentioned for the race, and his decision makes the path to the Democratic nomination that much easier for state Sen. Roy Herron, who dropped his gubernatorial bid and jumped into the race just hours after Tanner announced he would retire at the end of his 11th term. This week, educator Luther Mercer II also announced his plan to run in the Democratic primary.