CINCINNATI, Ohio – Voters will not see Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s hat in the presidential ring in 2016.
The Republican says he will not run for president, choosing instead to seek a second term in the Senate over the Republican nomination for the White House.
“With the new Republican majority, I see a real opportunity over the next two years to break the gridlock in Washington and actually get things done to help Ohioans and all Americans. That’s where I believe I can play the most constructive role. I don’t think I can run for president and be an effective senator at the same time,” Portman said in a statement released by his office Tuesday.
Although not well known nationally, Portman was on the short list of Mitt Romney’s potential running mates in 2012. He has broad experience in Washington as a former congressman, White House budget chief and U.S. trade representative.
He says wants to work in the Senate to revise the nation’s tax code, “pass a responsible budget,” to encourage exports of more American-made goods and spur domestic energy production.
Portman is perhaps best known outside Washington for having reversed his position on same-sex marriage after learning his son is gay. He now supports it. He says his decision on running wasn’t affected by that issue, which led some conservatives to pledge to oppose him.