Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley will not be running to replace U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) in 2020.

On Thursday, Brinkley announced his decision to forgo a bid for Thornberry’s seat after first declaring his interest in running last month. Brinkley said that he decided not to seek the seat, saying that he has decided that he still has things he would like to accomplish as a county judge.

“My heart, at the moment, is in local government and representing the residents of Cooke County,” Brinkley said.

His departure as a potential candidate leaves Josh Winegarner, Chris Ekstrom, Jamie Culley, Vance Snider, Monique Worthy, Elaine Hays, and Kevin McInturff seeking the Republican nomination. Former Potter County justice of the peace Richard Herman is also exploring a bid for the seat.

Democrat Greg Sagan is unopposed in his primary.

Candidates will begin filing for spots on the ballot on November 9th.