Ottawa Centre Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Joel Harden is not seeking the leadership of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP).
Harden told The Sam Laprade Show on Wednesday, July 13 that he took the time to speak to supporters and family members before making the decision.
Ultimately, the decision came down to him not wanting to sacrifice family time for a job that requires a commitment of seven days a week.
"Our kids are young," he said. "I thought about many angles that it might work and I couldn't find a way and my family is my top priority."
Harden said he's ready to support whoever becomes the new leader of the party.
"I know we can offer a lot to Ontario and offer a lot of good to the province," he said.
He's not ready to endorse anyone at this time.
"Anybody who wants to be the leader, has to earn it," he added.
Andrea Horwath resigned as the Ontario NDP leader after the June 2 provincial election.
Listen to the full interview with Joel Harden below:
