Foxx won't enter US Senate race

"I already have the best job in North Carolina," Foxx said in a statement Tuesday. "Representing the people of North Carolina's 5th Congressional District while working to encourage job growth, repeal 'Obamacare' and return decision-making power in education back to our state is where my heart and focus lie."

The five-term Republican has been mentioned as a potential challenger to incumbent U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat.

Foxx has polled relatively well in some surveys, but running would mean giving up a relatively safe congressional seat to challenge a well-funded incumbent. 

So far, state House Speaker Thom Tillis is the only known political quantity that has declared he will challenge Hagan.

Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, the top leader in the state Senate, is also weighing a run but has not made a public pronouncement on his future yet.

Dr. Greg Brannon, a Cary gynecologist with political roots in the tea party movement, has said he will run in the Republican primary.

The Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Charlotte's First Baptist Church, is also considering a run.

Hagan was first elected in 2008, winning the general election versus then-incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole.