The president of EMILY’S List, Stephanie Schriock, said Tuesday she would not seek a Montana Senate seat in 2014.
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) surprised many observers earlier this year by opting against a run, making Schriock’s announcement another big hit for Democrats who are trying to keep the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Max Baucus (D).
“Montana raised me, and it will always be my heart. It has been truly incredible to hear from so many folks who believe in me. I would love to say yes, but this is not the right time,” she said in a statement, according to CNN. “I will always be committed to the people who taught me that those freedoms are something we must keep fighting to protect…Montana is my home and I will always want to be a part of its future.”
EMILY’s List is an advocacy group dedicated to electing Democratic pro-choice women to office. Schriock said there is still much to be done in “fighting on behalf of women and standing up against a concerted effort to roll back the clock on our freedoms and opportunities.”