NASHVILLE (AP) - State Sen. Bill Ketron says he will not seek the new 4th Congressional District seat in Tennessee.

The Murfreesboro Republican, who is chairman of the Republican Caucus, said Monday that he still has more work to do in the state Senate, as well as family obligations.

He said after his father died 11 months ago he "made a promise to him that I would take care of my mother, my family and the business that he started 43 years ago."

Ketron's decision leaves U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais unchallenged at this point in a Republican primary. Democratic Sen. Eric Stewart of Belvidere has said he will run for the seat.

Ketron says he plans to work with DesJarlais.