Missouri Treasurer Clint Zweifel, who is barred by term limits from seeking re-election, says he plans to keep running - but not for office.
The two-term Democratic state treasurer said he considered a bid for U.S. Senate or lieutenant governor but opted against it, partly because he wants to continue to be involved with the activities of his two daughters, ages 15 and 17.
"I don't intend to be on the ballot in 2016," Zweifel told the Associated Press on Monday. He added: "Family, for me, drives a good part of that."
Zweifel, 41, lives with his wife and daughters in Columbia, where he regularly jogs the city's sidewalks and trails. He plans to continue running for fun and in races, and said he has not ruled out running for another political office at some point in the future.
"For me personally, the life I have right now is one I want to be able to continue for the next couple of years," Zweifel said. "Beyond that, I think opportunities change."
Zweifel first won election as treasurer in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012. His term runs through January 2016. Zweifel previously served six years in the Missouri House representing part of northwest St. Louis County and was the research and education director for Teamsters Local 668.
Zweifel said he has no specific job arrangements when his term ends.
"I'm excited about the future. I think a certain amount of uncertainty in our lives, at any age, is a good thing," he said.
As of the end of September, Zweifel had a little less than $194,000 in his campaign account. But he had not focused on raising money recently, taking in just $3,000 during the past quarter while spending about $6,000 and contributing a total of $20,000 to the Missouri Democratic Party and the successful Democratic candidate for St. Louis County executive.
Zweifel's decision not to seek office means Democrats so far have no announced challengers to Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt in 2016.