O'Malley Says He's Not Running for Senate Seat

When Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., told constituents Monday she will not seek reelection in 2016, speculation swirled around who will vie for the seat she has held for nearly 30 years.

Among the names media outlets put on the table: former Gov. Martin O’Malley, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, former Attorney General Doug Gansler, former Delegate Heather Mizeur, Rep. Steny Hoyer, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. Donna Edwards, Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. John Delaney and former Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.

O’Malley took his name off the list Tuesday, saying he was “confident that very capable public servants with a desire to serve in the Senate will step up,” adding: “I will not be one of them,” in a statement obtained by the Associated Press.

The statement came after a spokesperson for O’Malley would not discuss his intentions Monday with Politico, saying the spotlight should be on ”Sen. Mikulski’s service to the people of Maryland,” not ”political speculation.”

• Senator Barbara Mikulski Announces Retirement

O’Malley, who served the two-term limit for governor in Maryland, is currently touring the country, and has said he’s “seriously thinking” about a run for President in 2016.

He sent out a tweet Monday afternoon, following Mikulski’s 11 a.m. Fells Point press conference, thanking her for her mentorship as his political career began when he worked on her campaign.

• O’Malley ‘Seriously Thinking About Running for President

As question marks remain around the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat, the Republicans are also gearing up for the race.

Coming off a gubernatorial victory in Annapolis in 2014, the Republicans said that they will be ready with “a top recruit waiting for whoever emerges,” Republican Senatorial spokesperson Andrea Bozek told NBC.

• Changes Begin as Maryland Prepares for New Governor

Screenshot of former Gov. Martin O’Malley during a trip to Iowa last year from YouTube/Martin O’Malley.