U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez told a group of university students, supporters, and journalists this afternoon that he will not run for Chicago's open mayoral seat. Watch:

A Gutierrez mayoral administration would have marked a return to City Hall for the congressman. Between 1986 to 1992, Gutierrez represented the 26th Ward in City Council before his first successful run for the state's 4th Congressional District. In Washington, Gutierrez is likely to continue pushing for a comprehensive immigration reform bill, though the future of those legislative efforts are dependent on the outcome of the midterm elections. He also sits on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committee.

Today's announcement further shrinks the number of candidates of Latino descent seeking the mayoralty; only Chicago City Clerk Miguel Del Valle and attorney Gery Chico have entered the race formally. Earlier this week, former alderman Manny Flores threw his support behind Chico's bid, ending his campaign.