Embattled Maine Gov. Paul R. LePage said Thursday he will not run for Congress in the 2nd District, according to local reports.

Earlier this month, Democratic Rep. Michael H. Michaud launched an exploratory committee to challenge LePage for governor in in 2014. If Michaud officially enters the governor’s race, the 2nd District would be open in 2014.

LePage, a Republican, told reporters last week that he was considering running for Michaud’s seat, after a difficult week in the state capital.

“I’m considering running for Mike Michaud’s seat if you want to know the truth because it can’t be any worse in Washington than it is here,” LePage told reporters last week.

The governor hinted at his congressional aspirations as he was under fire for his inflammatory remarks about state Sen. Troy D. Jackson, a potential Democratic candidate in the 2nd District race, and as the state legislature was poised to override his veto of the state budget.

If LePage did run for Michaud’s seat, he would have faced a crowded Republican primary field.

So far Democratic state Sen. Emily Cain is the only candidate to announce a bid for Michaud’s seat.