Former Rep. Bob Franks won't seek a return to the 7th district House seat being vacated by Mike Ferguson.

"Representing the people of Central New Jersey in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001 was one of the important and rewarding experiences of my life, however I find my work at the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey very fulfilling and I'm enjoying nights and weekends with my family," Franks said. "I have no desire to run for Congress next year."

Franks held the seat for four terms before mounting a nearly successful bid for U.S. Senate in 2000. Outspent by nearly $57 million, Franks lost to Jon Corzine by a 50%-47% margin. Ferguson won a hotly contested primary to replace him.