Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, says he won't run for mayor of Houston and wants to focus on other projects and on his duties as a state lawmaker.

This would have been Turner's third attempt at the top city post. He issued a statement:

After careful consideration and consultation with a number of individuals, I have decided I will not run for mayor of the City of Houston in 2009.

Although I believe the race is eminently winnable, a late entry into the campaign would have required that I drop every other project in which I am involved—community endeavors such as the Houston Astros MLB Urban Youth Baseball Academy in Acres Homes and continuing my work in the Texas Legislature, to which I am deeply committed and thoroughly enjoy.

I thank everyone who took the time to discuss this race with me and the many, many supporters who urged me to run. I have much more to accomplish in my life and I will continue to work hard for the citizens of my district, my city and my state.