New York Assemblyman Will Barclay (R) announced Friday that he is exploring a campaign in New York’s 23rd district, after passing up what ultimately became a wild special election for the seat this fall.

In a statement, Barclay said he has recently been “approached by numerous friends and supporters urging me to run for Congress.”

“While I didn’t run during the special election due to family reasons, I am deeply disappointed with the outcome of that race and feel that this time I should more thoroughly investigate running,” he continued, adding that he will spend the next several weeks traveling the district and meeting with local leaders.