The decision by the seven-term Congressman came one day after former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) announced he would not seek the gubernatorial post. Since then, the Republican field has opened up and Wamp’s name had been mentioned along with Memphis District Attorney Bill Gibbons and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam.

In a statement to the Chattanooga Times Free Press this morning, Wamp said, “I believe the time is at hand for me to expand my service to help even more people in our great state by pursuing the office of Governor.”

He added that in the coming days he would file the appropriate paperwork to begin raising money for his statewide bid.