For those hoping to see the fiery Jennifer Granholm launch a Senate campaign in Michigan, they may be disappointed.

The former Michigan governor announced Friday on Facebook that she won't be seeking the Senate seat to be vacated by her fellow Democrat, longtime Sen. Carl Levin.

"Friends, thanks for all of the encouragement on the Michigan Senate seat, but I'm not going to run. I appreciate all of the outreach I've received; for several reasons it's just not right for us (it's a family decision)," she wrote on Facebook. "My best to all the contenders - Levin's US Senate seat will stay blue!"

Granholm was widely considered a potential contender in the race. As a former two-term governor of the state with a recent stint as a television host on Current TV and a rousing speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Granholm would have entered the race with no shortage of name recognition.

But serving her second term amid the Great Recession, which especially struck Detroit's auto industry, Granholm struggled to maintain popularity and finished out her time with low approval ratings.

She also made headlines in 2011 when she withdrew her name from consideration to head the Democratic National Committee, as then-chairman Tim Kaine considered leaving to run for the U.S. Senate.

Granholm, who was born in Canada, is viewed as someone with desirable political attributes ranging from a strong television presence, an ability to raise money and knowledge of how to manage a large scale operation--skills honed as governor of Michigan.

Other Democrats considering a bid include Debbie Dingell, longtime Democratic activist and wife of veteran Rep. John Dingell, as well as Rep. Gary Peters.

Levin announced earlier this month he would not seek re-election to a seventh term in 2014.

The Washington Post first reported the story.