The “will he or won’t he” rumors about George Brauchler’s run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Michael Bennet were put to rest Wednesday. Brauchler, the district attorney for the 18th Judicial District and prosecutor in the Aurora theater shooting trial, announced he would seek re-election to his current post in 2016 instead of challenging Bennet.
Brauchler told The Colorado Independent in August that his decision would be based largely on the impact such a race would have on his family. As it turns out, that was the case.
The National Journal reported today a “serious family health issue” had recently surfaced for Brauchler. A Republican operative close to him called it “a very sad situation.”
Brauchler said in a statement Wednesday that he had given a great deal of consideration to what his future service would be. But “I have made it clear that a top consideration for me would be how any decision would impact my family, my wife and our four wonderful kids.”
Despite overwhelming support and encouragement, Brauchler said, “Now is not the right time for me and my family” for a Senate race.
Brauchler is considered a top candidate to run for governor in 2018.
Photo credit: Photo credit: Ed Schipul, Creative Commons, Flickr.
