Former Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.) looked at and quickly passed on a challenge to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)

Molinari released a statement Monday declaring “a statewide race this year is not a practical option for me and our family.” Her decision comes just hours after Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) also said he would not run on the Republican side.

Like King, Molinari said she had been urged to consider the race and over the past week had “taken the counsel of friends, family and New York political and civic leaders about seeking election to the United States Senate.”

The Republicans have yet to field a candidate against Gillibrand; a series of high-profile GOP names have ruled out a run.

CQ Politics rates the general election contest Likely Democratic.

To follow all the 2010 Senate races, check out the CQ Politics election map.