JACKSON (AP) — A Republican leader of a congressional committee says he won’t seek re-election this year.

Rep. Gregg Harper of Mississippi was first elected in 2008. He said Thursday that he never intended to make a career in Congress, and “10 years will be long enough.”

The 61-year-old is chairman of the House Administration Committee.

He is an ally of Gov. Phil Bryant and U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, fellow Republicans. Harper has been widely seen as someone Bryant might appoint to the Senate if the 80-year-old Cochran retires. Cochran, who has had health problems, is midway through a six-year term.

In his statement Thursday, Harper expressed no interest in the Senate.

Harper’s decision not to seek re-election creates an opening in central Mississippi’s 3rd District.

Candidates’ qualifying deadline is March 1.