For one, Allen said she wants to continue the work she is doing as the chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee. Allen said she has been proud of the work she has done in that committee.

Allen added she also wants to do her part in keeping the Senate in the hands of the Republicans and believes she will have a good chance of keeping her seat and thus helping to keep the party’s majority.

This does mean there are now three Republican candidates all vying for the seat Allen currently holds.

Rogers said she was surprised that Allen had changed her mind about running, and in the same statement released on Allen’s controversial comments, wrote, “Sylvia needs to retire like she said she was going to do and let those who love all of America hold elected office instead."

Rep. Thorpe, who is termed out from running in the state House, also expressed frustration about Allen’s reversal.

“For over a year, Sen. Allen had told multiple people that she was not going to run again. It is of course her choice to run; however, I was disappointed, and it puts people who have supported both of us in difficult situations as whom to support now,” Thorpe said.