Former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey says he won't run for governor this year.
The state senator says he has decided not to seek the Democratic nomination after talking with family, friends and advisers.
"As a senator and governor, I have been a voice for many voiceless New Jerseyans," he said in a statement. "I will continue to serve in Trenton and seek re-election."
Democratic leaders had encouraged Codey to run. Codey had served 14 months as governor after Jim McGreevey resigned in 2004.
Sen. Barbara Buono is the only prominent Democrat in the race to oppose Republican Gov. Chris Christie.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker had already decided not to run for governor, setting off a scramble for Democrats to find a high-profile politician to challenge the popular Christie.
