ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- As Duchess County Executive Marc Molinaro heads to New York City this week to seek the Republican nomination to run for governor, we have learned that his running mate will not be Cheryl Dinolfo.

There was speculation that the Monroe County Executive would join Molinaro on the ticket as his lieutenant governor candidate.

Dinolfo herself fueled that speculation by saying she was open to serving the people of the county in ways other than her current office.

She was already in Molinaro's orbit, serving on a committee to screen out potential lieutenant governor candidates.

Dinolfo released the following statement:

"I am humbled by the kind words of support I received from across the State, but after a great deal of reflection with my family, I will not be seeking the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor this year. As someone who has lived, worked, and raised a family here, serving as Monroe County Executive is an incredible honor and I remain committed to keeping our community in good hands in 2018 and beyond. I very much enjoyed getting to know Marc better throughout this process and I look forward to working with him when he becomes Governor next year."