Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., announced Monday that he will forego a 2019 gubernatorial bid in Louisiana and will remain in the Senate.

"I love being in the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for governor in 2019," Kennedy said in a statement Monday. "I will, however, continue to work hard every day in D.C. and Louisiana for jobs, economic growth, cheaper health insurance, a stronger military, and an end to government waste.

"I am fortunate to sit on powerful Senate committees that provide a venue to do that. It is such an honor to represent the people of Louisiana in the United States Senate," Kennedy continued. "Right now, that’s where I think I can do the most good."

Kennedy had been considering a run in recent months, with four years left on his current term. He was considered the top GOP possibility to run against Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards.

"I hope someone runs for governor who understands that Louisiana state government does not have to be a big, slow, dumb, wasteful, sometimes corrupt, spend-money-like-it-was-ditchwater, anti-taxpayer, top down institution," Kennedy said. "I love Louisiana as much as I love my country, and the people of my state deserve a state government as good as they are."

"Thank you to the many people who offered me advice about my decision. I listened carefully," Kennedy added. "You taught me a lot."