State Senator Joe Pennachio (R-26) will not run for the CD11 seat.

“After much thoughtful consideration I have decided not to seek the Republican nomination for Congress,” the veteran GOP senator said.

The senator made his intentions clear 48 hours after his slate mate, Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-26), made his “all-in” announcement to pursue the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11).

“My constituents have recently re-elected me to the State Senate,” Pennacchio said. “I look forward to addressing and finishing some of the challenges which we have begun to address.

“Elimination of our the State cap on Property tax deductions, formation of an Innocence Commission, full State funding of Special Education, and the rightful funding of Greenwood Lake by the State are a few of the initiatives that I look forward to accomplishing,” the senator added. “I would like to thank all of those who kept me very busy this past week encouraging me to run.”

InsiderNJ asked Pennacchio if he an endorsement at this time.

He said he does not.