U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, right, and his wife Julie.

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, said in a statement this morning that he will not run for the U.S. Senate from Georgia in 2014.

"The last several weeks have been a very exciting time for me and my family as we considered the opportunity to serve Georgia in the United States Senate," Graves said in a news release. "It has been an honor to receive so much support from Georgians and grassroots conservatives around the country, and I am confident that we would run a very competitive campaign. My decision rested on what would be best for my family, my district and the state of Georgia, and I have concluded that the right path for now is to forgo this Senate race and continue serving in my current role."

Graves said it is "important for my supporters to know that I intend to continue preparing for future opportunities to serve Georgia."