TRENTON — Assemblyman John Wisniewski, chairman of the state Democratic Committee who had been among several top-drawer Democrats seen as potential challengers to Gov. Chris Christie next year, said today he will not run for governor next year.

In a statement, the 50-year-old Wisniewski, who represents Middlesex County, said it was not the "right time" to run for full-time public office.

Wisniewski said obligations to his family and his law practice — he is principal partner of a Sayreville law firm — took precedence.

"It became clear to me that I wouldn’t be able to devote the time to essentially what becomes a full-time job as a candidate and ultimately as governor," he said in a phone interview.

Wisniewski, chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, did say he would seek re-election to the Assembly seat he has held since 1996.

The field of potential Democratic gubernatorial nominees remains a potent one. None have officially declared their candidacy, but Newark Mayor Cory Booker remains the top name among aspirants. Booker said he would make a decision on whether to run later this month.

Should the mayor of the state’s largest city decide to run, he would likely clear the field.

If he decides against it, a crowded slate could feature Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, state Sen. Barbara Buono, Lisa Jackson, administrator of the federal Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, state Sen. Richard Codey; and Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage.

Wisniewski said he did not fear a crowded field could make for a particularly perilous primary campaign.

"Clearly the sooner Democrats come to consensus on a candidate the better," he said. "But it doesn’t preclude Democrats from being successful if we have to go through a primary process."

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