Actress Ashley Judd not running for Kentucky U.S. Senate seat

FRANKFORT, Ky., March 27 (UPI) -- Actress Ashley Judd announced on Twitter Wednesday she will not campaign for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky next year.

There had been speculation Judd would run for the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, and several party professionals have been urging her to get into the race.

"Dear Friends," Judd tweeted Wednesday. "Thank you for these months of remarkable support & encouragement, for your voices, exhortations & prayers...Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate.

"I have spoken to many Kentuckians over these last few months who expressed their desire for a fighter for the people & new leader," she wrote.

"While that won't be me at this time, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met by returning this Senate seat to whom it rightfully belongs: the people & their needs, dreams, and great potential.

"After serious and thorough contemplation, I realize that my responsibilities & energy at this time need to be focused on my family," Judd tweeted.