DAYTON, Ohio — Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias Heck Jr. called off his plans to run for a congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tony Hall.

        “This decision is based on personal and family considerations, which are my priorities, as well as my continued enthusiasm for and commitment to being Montgomery County's prosecuting attorney,” Mr. Heck said in a one-paragraph statement issued Friday.

        Mr. Heck was the best-known Democrat considering a bid for Mr. Hall's seat representing the 3rd Congressional District. Mr. Hall, a Dayton Democrat, is leaving Congress to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations' food and agriculture agencies.

        The Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to push for a speedy vote on Mr. Hall's nomination so Democrats can field a candidate in a special election, which would occur in Mr. Hall's current district instead of a more Republican one recently redrawn by the GOP-controlled Ohio Legislature.

        Mr. Hall's chief of staff, former Montgomery County Treasurer Rick Carne, is now the most likely Democratic candidate. seat.

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