Senator Greg Ball (Photo: Facebook)

In a move likely to disappoint Democrats hoping for a contentious Republican primary for Hudson Valley Rep. Nan Hayworth, State Senator Greg Ball said today he'll simply run for reelection instead.

"She makes it so tough to not run against her because she is disconnected from the district she represents. But this Senate seat decided the balance of power in the previous election and will be similarly important in the next election," he said in an interview with Yossi Gestetner. "So I am focused on reelection to the State Senate."

Mr. Gestetner then pressed Mr. Ball specifically on whether he was ruling out the Congressional campaign. Mr. Ball responded that he's "totally committed on reelection to the State Senate."

Mr. Ball had long encouraged speculation that he would challenge Ms. Hayworth by regularly hammering her and her record.

Three Democrats have declared their campaigns for the seat so far:  Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander, Tuxedo Park Mayor Tom Wilson, and Cortland town Councilman Richard Becker.