Nevada's Republican governor, Brian Sandoval, has announced he will not run for the Sen. Harry Reid's seat this coming election cycle. The governor will instead continue serving as the Nevada's chief executive.

Earlier this year Sen. Reid, Democratic minority leader in the Senate, announced he would not seek reelection in the 2016 elections, opening the door for Republicans to win another seat and increase their majority in the upper chamber. Many had wanted Gov. Sandoval to run; however, the Latino governor has opted out of the race.

"I have said many times that it is an honor and a privilege to serve as Nevada's Chief Executive and that I love my job. My heart is in my responsibilities as Governor and continuing to build the New Nevada. My undivided attention must be devoted to being the best Governor, husband and father I can be," he said in a statement.

"For these reasons, I will not seek the United States Senate seat that will be available in 2016."

Gov. Sandoval thanked state Sen. Dan Heller, who lobbied Gov. Sandoval to run. He said he would support whoever is the GOP nominee.

The Republican Party has yet to put forward a candidate to challenge the Democrats. One likely contender is Rep. Joe Heck. CQ Roll Call reported late in May Rep. Heck had almost reached a decision on whether he would run for the seat. Rep. Heck's team and the state GOP wanted to wait until Gov. Sandoval decided. Now that he has said he will not run, the field is open for Rep. Heck.

Rep. Heck could prove an ideal candidate, having legislative as well as combat experience. Rep. Heck believes "it's critically important" for more veterans to be in the legislature, according to Defense One.

"Not that you shouldn't be elected if you've never served," he said. "But to have folks that actually have lived this fight there to help shape and mold the debate and conversation, I think it's critically important."

He is currently serving in the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Facing off against him is former Nevada attorney general Catherine Cortez Masto. She announced her bid for the Senate seat in early April, the first candidate for either party.

Sen. Reid has said he would support Cortez Masto, if she decided to run, saying, "whoever runs against Catherine will be a loser."

Nevada has the fifth largest Latino population in the nation, according to Pew Research Center, with 15.9 percent of Latinos eligible to vote. Gov. Sandoval, who is Mexican American, would have been the ideal candidate. However, Rep. Heck appears to be aware of the Latino community's importance.

On Wednesday, Rep. Heck said on Twitter he spoke at an event hosted by the Latino Coalition. The "Small Business Summit" placed emphasis on Latino small businesses and Rep. Heck talked about their importance, highlighting a restaurant in his district.

Although Rep. Heck believes President Barack Obama "certainly exceeded his executive authority" concerning DACA, he will continue the program, because "I could not in good conscience vote to close the door on the young individuals who were provided the opportunity to make a life for themselves in the only country they have ever known," his website states.

Rep. Heck voted against a recent amendment pushed forward by his fellow Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa blocking government funds to defend DACA in court. The amendment passed nonetheless.