Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente will not pursue a bid for Congress and aims to stay in his current role, he announced Friday.

The Republican lawmaker said in the past few days, he was approrached by many about seeking what would likely be New York's 22nd Congressional District seat, given that the boundaries — drawn by a special master after the ones drawn by state lawmakers were thrown out — remain the same when finalized. The new district would include all of Oneida, Madison and Onondaga counties.

"Washington is broken. I know this first hand," Picente said in a statement. "As County Executive, there are countless times Washington made it harder instead of easier for me to move our community forward. I am proud of my record as your County Executive. I am proud of the issues we hit head on while Washington, mired in political backbiting and partisan bickering, accomplished next to nothing on national issues affecting every community."

Picente last considered a congressional run in 2016 and ultimately decided against it.

"It is vital to me that I serve in a capacity where I can move us forward and get things done," he said. "The fruits of these accomplishments are literally all around us: the Comets; the AUD; Nexus; Wolfspeed; MVHS’s new hospital and the expansion of Rome Health; the Innovare Advancement Center; the MVCC campuses; the REA Wing; new housing, businesses and educational opportunities, and there is still more to see through. There is no better way to do that than to remain as County Executive. I am going to continue to do what I have done: lead this community forward with strong partnerships and tangible results. I thank you all for your unwavering support.”

Picente has served as county execurtive since 2006. He would be up for re-election again in 2023.