Lynn Westmoreland, who represents Georgia in the U.S. Congress, has decided against making a run for the governor’s seat this November.

The Republican Westmoreland has long been rumored as being in the mix for Georgia Governor as current Gov. Sonny Perdue is in his eighth and final year due to term limits.

Local residents received an automated telephone message earlier this week urging them to contact Westmoreland and encourage him to remain in Congress with his strong conservative background. The recording did not indicate who paid for the phone call.

In a statement Friday, Westmoreland said he made his decision not to run for governor after consulting with his family, longtime supporters and his most trusted friends.

“I have decided that it is best for me to remain in Congress where I think I can make a difference as a legislative fighter,” Westmoreland said. He added that he felt the decision was best for him and his family.

“I work with a great group of Georgians in Congress, and I believe it’s critical that we rebuild our state’s seniority in the delegation. I’m also excited about leadership roles I’ve taken to help Republicans work toward reclaiming our majority in Congress and returning our federal policy to conservative principles that will best serve America’s economy and its families.”

In the U.S. House of Representatives Westmoreland serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Small Business and Government Oversight and Reform committees.

As a member of the subcommittee on aviation, Westmoreland has been instrumental in securing federal funding for Falcon Field in Peachtree City which has allowed the airport to purchase land on both sides of the runway for future growth.

During his brief tenure in Congress, Westmoreland has also found himself in the media crosshairs, ridiculed in a national interview on The Colbert Report on Comedy Central. Westmoreland was skewered for not being able to recite all 10 Commandments despite his support that they should be on display in government buildings.

Westmoreland, who previously served in the Georgia legislature in the House of Representatives, was elected in 2004 to the seat that was vacated by Mac Collins. Westmoreland’s district includes all of Fayette and Coweta counties along with all or part of 13 other counties.

Westmoreland and his family reside in Grantville in Coweta County. Previously they lived more than 25 years in Fayette County where Westmoreland started his L.A.W. construction company.