Scott Martin is running for State Senate.

The Lancaster County Commissioner was originally considered a candidate for the open congressional seat in PA-16 after Rep. Pitts announced his retirement.

Instead, State Sen. Lloyd Smucker declared that he would be running for Congress and Martin will be running to replace Smucker in Harrisburg.

“While I have been honored to have so many people from across our community and the state approach and encourage me to run for Congress, my priorities lie closer to home right now,” Martin wrote on his Facebook page. “I am the proud father of two young sons. After spending the last couple of years helping to coach their sports teams and participating in the other activities of their lives, I felt that serving in Congress would take me away from them too much. They are a priority to me. Serving the people of the 13th District would be an honor that allows me to continue my record of public service while still being an active and present part of their lives.”

“I look forward to meeting with local residents, community groups, business owners, workers, parents, teachers, and others to hear their ideas about how to move Pennsylvania forward and share my ideas as well,” Martin continued. “One thing is for certain though, and that is the need for proven, conservative leadership in the legislature to stand strong against Governor Wolf’s unwavering insistence on massive tax increases on working families, seniors, and job-creating small business owners.”

Martin has been Commissioner of Lancaster County since 2008. He is also the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican County Commissioners Caucus.

Pennsylvania’s 13th Senate district consists of parts of Lancaster County.