Two-term Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., announced Monday that he will not seek a third term in the House, according to a local news outlet.

Griffin, who was elected in 2010 in the tea party wave, told Talk Business Arkansas that he decided not to run in order to spend more time with his family, including his son, who was seen around the Capitol during the shutdown debate.

“God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, Elizabeth, and two precious children, and for several months Elizabeth and I have been discussing whether to seek a third term in Congress, especially considering the formative ages of Mary Katherine and John,” Griffin told the local news outlet. “It has been an agonizing and difficult decision involving much prayer, thought and discussion. We have decided that now is the time for me to focus intently on my top priority, my family, as Elizabeth and I raise our two young children.”

Griffin added he has “made no decision as to my plans after Congress except that I will continue in public service, including as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve.”

Democrats have been looking to target Griffin in Arkansas’ 2nd District. They argue that even though the district voted for GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney with 55 percent in 2012, the right Democratic candidate could make the seat competitive.

Former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, a Democrat, has been quietly mentioned as a strong candidate, though he has yet to announce whether he will run.

Arkansas’ 2nd District is rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

Updated 10:48 a.m. |

Abby Livingston contributed to this report.