Sanford Police Chief Eric Small is ending his run for U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree’s seat representing Maine’s 1st Congressional District in next year’s election.

In a statement posted on his campaign’s Facebook page Monday, Small, a Republican, said the decision “is not about stepping away — it’s about stepping where I can be most effective.”

“As Sanford’s police chief, I have seen firsthand the challenges our families face — from public safety to affordability — and I believe real change starts right here at home,” Small said.

He said he will be pivoting to run for a seat representing Sanford in the Maine Legislature.

In the 1st District race, Small said he will support Ron Russell, a retired U.S. Army veteran and defense consultant who won the Republican primary last year but was defeated by Pingree 59% to 36%.

Pingree is seeking a 10th term in a district that heavily favors Democrats next year. She also faces her first primary challenger since being elected to Congress in 2008. State Rep. Tiffany Roberts of South Berwick announced last week she will seek the Democratic nomination to offer voters a choice and a chance at generational change.

In addition to Russell, Republican Josh Duprey has also filed campaign finance paperwork to run. A third Republican, Andrew Piantidosi, who ran in the Republican primary last year, has also filed, but said Tuesday he is no longer campaigning