Democratic state Sen. Marc Keahey of Grove Hill has dropped his re-election campaign.

Keahey, of District 22, announced his decision in the state Senate Thursday, telling senators he wants to spend more time with his family.

Keahey, an attorney, was elected to the Alabama House in 2006. He won a special election to the Senate in 2009 and won a full term in 2010.

Keahey made the surprise announcement with his parents, wife and three children in attendance.

“My reasons (for not running) are limited to those most important to me,” he told The Standard Tuesday. “My kids are young – 8, 6 and 2 – and if I ran there’d be so much that I would miss. My wife deserves to have her husband at home. She may not want it, but she deserves it, and my kids deserve to have their dad at home.”

Keahey said he will miss his time as a public servant.

“It’s a fulfilling feeling to have the opportunity to try and help people,” he said. “There’s 130,000-plus constituents in my district, and I love everyone one of them, and I love to represent them”

Keahey said his decision to not seek re-election was one of the hardest ones he’s ever made.

“I love it,” he said of his position. “But my family needs me.”

The Republican-controlled Legislature redesigned Keahey’s district to make it more Republican leaning. His withdrawal will allow the state Democratic Party to appoint a replacement candidate if it wants.

Five Republicans are running in the primary election June 3 to try representing the district.

The five Republicans seeking Keahey’s seat are Greg Albritton, Harry D’Olive Jr., Danny Joyner, Jeff Peacock and Stephen Sexton.

Keahey said he plans to continue to practice law, but did not rule out a future run at public office.