Actress and activist Ashley Judd has announced via Twitter that she will not be running for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky.
For the past few weeks, Judd has stimulated speculation that she would seek the Democratic Party’s nomination and challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Republicans seemed concerned by a potentially well-funded challenge to a seat in a bright-red state. A group connected to GOP strategist Karl Rove ran ads in Kentucky attacking Judd. McConnell followed that up with an ad featuring his wife this month, aimed at shoring up his standing with women.
Judd’s announcement was broken by The Washington Post Wednesday afternoon.
She has since followed that up with a series of tweets:
Dear Friends, Thank you for these months of remarkable support & encouragement, for your voices, exhortations, & prayers. I have decided.
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
My full statement will soon be on my website, ashleyjudd.com. Please know that is my voice & truth; don’t fool with the distortions!
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
After serious and thorough contemplation, I realize that my responsibilities & energy at this time need to be focused on my family.
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate. I have spoken to so many Kentuckians over these last few months ~
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
~ who expressed their desire for a fighter for the people & new leader.While that won’t be me at this time, I will continue to work as ~
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
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 &
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
their needs, dreams, and great potential.Thanks for even considering me as that person & know how much I love our Commonwealth. Thank you!
— ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) March 27, 2013
AP Photo
