NASHVILLE (AP) - Embattled Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester has decided not to seek a third term in charge of the state party.

Spokesman Brandon Puttbrese confirmed Forrester's decision on Thursday.

The move opens the door to new leadership for the party that has in recent years suffered deep losses in both the Statehouse and among the state's congressional delegation.

Forrester enjoyed strong support from the party's executive committee and among the more liberal wing of the party, but was strongly opposed by elected Democrats like then-Gov. Phil Bredesen and Democratic congressmen.

Forrester struck a positive tone about Democrats' prospects when first elected chairman in 2009, but the party went on to lose 14 seats in the state House, three in Congress and the governor's race in the next year's election.