MANSFIELD -- Selectman Michael McCue has decided against running for state representative and will support fellow Republican Jay Barrows.

McCue said he has always been interested in running for higher office, but a new job and other factors weighed against running now.

`` As much as I would like to run for this seat, I have made commitments to my family, employer and the town of Mansfield that I cannot break,'' he said. `` Such a run, let alone a victory, would have a serious impact on all three.''

McCue recently took a new job as administrative assistant to Mendon selectmen and has three young children, in addition to being a Mansfield selectman.

He said he will back Barrows in the race to succeed state Rep. Virginia Coppola, R-Foxboro. Coppola is not running after serving out the unexpired term of her late husband, Michael Coppola. `` I have known Jay since my move to Mansfield and have come to know him as a strong community leader and a great friend,'' McCue said of Barrows. `` I am thrilled to support him in any way possible.''

Barrows is the lone Republican in the race, thus far.

Foxboro Selectman Michael Stanton, a Republican, has expressed an interest in running, but has not announced a decision.

Two Democrats are already in the race.

Claire Naughton of Foxboro, who lost a special election race to Virginia Coppola last February, and Paul Feeney, also of Foxboro, are in the race.

The Coppola seat has traditionally been a Republican one, but Foxboro has the most votes in the district.

The district is made up of the entire town of Foxboro, Precincts 1, 3 and 6 in Mansfield and Precincts 3, 4 and 5 in Norton.