HARTFORD (AP) — The sole survivor of a deadly 2007 home invasion says he will not run for a congressional seat held by a Democrat who came under fire for her handling of harassment complaints in her office.

Dr. William Petit Jr. announced Wednesday he plans to seek re-election to his state House of Representatives seat. The Republican will be seeking his second term.

Petit says he "thought long and hard about running for Congress" but "family considerations" and his commitment to his constituents in Plainville and New Britain ultimately persuaded him to forgo a congressional run.

There's been much speculation about potential candidates for the 5th District seat after U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty announced she would not seek re-election.

Petit's first wife and the couple's two daughters were killed in the home invasion.