Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, who was in town last week meeting with senior House Democrats, announced Tuesday she will not run for Michigan’s open 8th District seat.  

The decision is a blow to national Democrats’ hopes to contend in the district of Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who recently announced his retirement.  

Byrum met with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., members of the Michigan delegation, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and EMILY’s List, among others, while on Capitol Hill last week. But she ultimately opted against running for the Republican-leaning district. “After carefully considering a run for Congress, I have determined that I can best serve the residents of Michigan by continuing my role as Ingham County Clerk,” Byrum said in a statement. “While partisan gridlock in Congress prevents anything meaningful from being accomplished, my work here in Michigan has a real effect on people’s lives and that’s what drives my commitment to public service.  

“I appreciate the support from those encouraging me to run and look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead,” she added.  

Michigan Democrats are now looking to Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing as a possible contender.  

The race is rated Leans Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.