HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut state Sen. John McKinney of Fairfield says he will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in this year's election because a campaign would take away his time with his three young children.

McKinney, the Senate minority leader, announced Tuesday that he was dropping out of the race but will seek re-election to his Senate seat in November. He is in the middle of divorce proceedings from his wife.

McKinney did not endorse either of the two leading GOP candidates for governor: Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley.

Hamden Republican and former Congressman Larry DeNardis, meanwhile, announced Tuesday that he is running for governor.

Former state House Speaker James Amann is the only declared Democratic candidate.