HARRISONBURG — Del. Steve Landes has decided against a run for Congress in 2018.

Shortly after U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke, announced Thursday he will not seek re-election to represent Virginia’s 6th Congressional District, Landes said he was considering seeking the GOP nomination.

On Nov. 7, Landes, R-Weyers Cave, was elected to his 12th two-year term representing the 25th District in the House of Delegates; the district includes parts of Rockingham, Albemarle and Augusta counties.

Landes said in a press release Tuesday that, though he has received an “outpouring of encouragement and support” to seek the Republican nomination, he decided serving in the House of Delegates is “the best way for me to serve the commonwealth and the people of the 25th House District.”

He said he plans to continue working on growing Virginia’s economy, providing students the best education and increasing health care access, affordability and choice.

“The voters of the 25th District extended a two-year contract to me on Nov. 7 and that contract needs to be honored,” he said in the release. “My long years of service will be even more of an asset now in the General Assembly as we welcome a large incoming class of new delegates to the House of Delegates.”

In last week’s election, Democrats won at least 15 delegate seats and may yet take control of the 100-member House.

Three races were so close the outcome has yet to be determined; Democrats must win two to hold a majority in the chamber.

The Republicans have a slim lead in all three races. The state must certify results Monday, and recounts may begin next week.

Goodlatte, 65, is serving his 13th two-year term representing the 6th District. The district covers parts of Roanoke County and extends north to Shenandoah and Warren counties, including Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge, and Cynthia Dunbar, Virginia’s National Committeewoman to the Republican National Convention, announced their campaigns Thursday, just hours after Goodlatte made his announcement.

Democrats Peter Volosin of Roanoke and Sergio Coppola of Hinton declared their candidacies earlier this year. Independent Michael Frend of Waynesboro also entered the race before Goodlatte’s announcement.