Actress Ashley Judd announced via Twitter Wednesday that she will not be running for a Kentucky U.S. Senate seat next year.

Some Democrats were touting her as a challenger to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The news came shortly after 5 p.m. in the form of a series of four tweets, which combined to create the following message:

"Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate. I have spoken to so many Kentuckians over these last few months who expressed their desire for a fighter for the people & new leader. While that won't be me at this time, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met by returning this Senate seat to whom it rightfully belongs: the people & their needs, dreams, and great potential. Thanks for even considering me as that person & know how much I love our Commonwealth. Thank you!"

Judd tweeted that a full statement would be available later in the day on her website.

Judd became the focus of intense national focus and scrutiny when she emerged as a potential frontrunner in the Democratic primary race to challenge McConnell.

Twitter