State Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, said Monday that he will not be seeking the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn.

Sen. Watson said he thinks he can better serve in the Tennessee state Senate.

Rep. Wamp is stepping down from his seat in the U.S. House to run for governor.

Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble, Chattanooga attorney Chuck Fleischmann and engineer Tommy Crangle have announced they are running for the GOP nomination for the seat.

Former Tennessee Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith has said she is also considering a run.

On the Democratic side, former Tennessee Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Paula Flowers and Chattanooga computer systems analyst Brent Benedict have announced bids for the seat.