Senate President Mike Haridopolos

State Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, announced Monday morning that he is withdrawing from the 2012 U.S. Senate race. Haridopolos was part of a crowded Republican primary looking to take on Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012.

In his withdrawal announcement, Haridopolos pointed to the challenges of running the Florida Senate while seeking the Republican nomination to take on Nelson.

“I declared I would be a candidate for the United States Senate while continuing to serve as Senate president,” noted Haridopolos. “In the early going, I was encouraged with endorsements from state and national leaders, support from colleagues in the Senate and House, and donations big and small. Yet it became increasingly clear to me, and those around me, that the responsibilities I was managing on both fronts are in conflict."