State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer won't seek the 27th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Collins.

Ranzenhofer, a Republican representing the 61st District in the State Senate, made the announcement in a press release Monday morning.

"I’m not giving up this opportunity lightly, but the decision is easier because there are so many other qualified candidates," his statement read in part. "These last few weeks have been a whirlwind."

Collins was indicted on insider trading charges earlier this month and announced shortly thereafter that he was out of the race, suspending his campaign after his indictment on federal charges and accusations of insider trading. Ranzenhofer, like every other candidate seeking the Republican nod for the seat, was interviewed by the eight county GOP chairs from the 27th District.