Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval asked President Barack Obama on Thursday to take his name off his list of potential Supreme Court nominees.
“Earlier today, I notified the White House that I do not wish to be considered at this time for possible nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States,” Sandoval said in a statement on Thursday. “I have also spoken to Senators Reid, Heller and McConnell and expressed the same desire to them. The notion of being considered for a seat on the highest court in the land is beyond humbling and I am incredibly grateful to have been mentioned.”
Sandoval didn’t offer a reason for his withdrawal.
The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the White House was vetting Sandoval as a possible replacement following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia on Feb. 13.
Sandoval, a Republican moderate who supports abortion rights, was seen as a strategic push by Obama to appease Republicans who have vowed to block any nomination before the president leaves office.
Obama has promised to nominate a replacement in the coming weeks.