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The issue came up after the Staten Island Republican Party recently bypassed two candidates seeking the job and endorsed Fosella to run.

Fosella was a six-term congressman until he stepped down in 2008 amid a drunk driving and personal scandal involving a secret family he had in Virginia.

He says he was honored to be asked to run, but is happy with where he is now.

"I'm frankly at a very good place in my life,” he said. “I'm where I need to be, and where I want to be, most importantly, and, as a result, have indicated to the chairman of the party that I will not seek election to Congress this year."

Fossella would not rule out running for public office sometime in the future.

The congressional seat is currently held by Democrat Michael McMahon.

Meanwhile, Fossella's former constituents had mixed thoughts on his decision not to run.

"I think it's great. I think a man who is hypocritical and he ran on family values for his whole career and found out to be a phony shouldn't run for office," said one Staten Island resident.

"I think he was so damaged by what he did that he would have no chance in the world of winning," said another Staten Island resident.

"I think he took enough time I think it's time to go back now," said a third.

Republicans will head to the polls in September to choose a challenger for the congressional seat.