Curtis penned an op-ed published in the Deseret News on Monday explaining he would not be pursuing the Senate seat, writing, “After many hours of consultation, prayer and contemplation, I have decided to stay out of the U.S. Senate race at this time.”

He listed a few reasons as to why he ultimately decided not to run, such as his commitment to the constituents in the 3rd District and the work he is doing in the House.

“I believe we need elected leaders who are more concerned about doing their job than getting the next job,” he said. “To walk away now would leave a commitment unfilled. I want to finish the job.”

Corey Norman, Curtis’ chief of staff, said he had noticed a “slight hesitation” in Curtis’ commitment to the race and he asked the congressman if he was 100% in.

“That spurred on a longer conversation about what it means to be in, and so we sort of talked about what the next nine or 10 months would look like,” Norman said. “And what it came down to is that he just wasn’t able to find peace in his decision.”

In his op-ed, Curtis said he “never liked career politicians” and wanted to avoid becoming one himself.

Adrielle Herring, campaign manager for Curtis, said Curtis didn’t want to become “part of the problem of being an elected official who thinks they are the only person who can do the job.

“(Curtis) realized it didn’t make any sense to believe that he’s the only person in this entire state who can serve in that seat and be successful,” Herring said.

Curtis also wrote about his work on climate issues and the environment as another reason to remain in the House.

“Much of the economy of the 3rd District is based on coal, oil and gas,” he wrote in the Deseret News. “The good people who work in these industries have been told for too long that they are the problem. I believe they are actually part of the solution.”

Curtis is the founder of the House Conservative Climate Caucus, which focuses on applying conservative solutions to environmental issues.

“Congressman Curtis is on a roll in the House,” Herring said, adding, “He’s very effective. And he’s in a great spot to keep getting things done for Utah.”

Currently in the Senate race are Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson, Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs and Roosevelt Mayor Rod Bird Jr.

According to Federal Election Commission filings, Wilson has raised more than $1 million for his campaign and Staggs has raised about $170,000.