It's been a busy six months for former Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell.

Last July, he officially launched his campaign to challenge Anthony Brindisi for his 22nd Congressional District seat.

Now one month into the election year, Cornwell has dropped out of the race.

"I'm not a politician. I've never been a politician. I've made the very clear choice and decision that as District Attorney, politics had no place in the office, so I havent been engaged in politics," said Steve Cornwell, a Republican.

Cornwell instead plans to run for Broome County Family Court judge.

As DA, he says children were always a top priority. He brought school resource officers to every school in the county. Cornwell also was responsible for creating a Special Victims Bureau that specializes in investigating and prosecuting crimes against children.

"I think it's clear that it is the right fit for me because of my passion for helping kids. You've seen it the community cookouts we've done, and playing with the kids in the park and I would teach in the schools, mentor kids," said Cornwell.

Cornwell says his decision to not seek re-election was a difficult one, but the right one.

The father of seven and grandfather of two hopes to provide brighter futures for children in the community.

"You end up with a better community by working with children and making their lives better, giving them the opportunity to succeed and thrive, and not be put into a situation where they're unkempt or un-cared for," said Cornwell.

The shakeup now leaves George Phillips, Frank Sager, and former Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to face off in June's Republican primary, with the winner taking on Brindisi's in November.

If elected in November, Cornwell would serve a 10-year term as family court judge.