Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, announced today she will not be running for governor this year.

Vinehout, who was injured in a car crash on I-94 in Racine in December, said in a statement the injuries she sustained from the crash would prevent her from running an intensive grassroots campaign.

“I have many thanks to give to all the individuals across the state who have encouraged me to run and offered their support in countless ways,” Vinehout said in a statement.

Despite her decision not to run, Vinehout will continue to inspire grassroots efforts and dialogue in the state, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said in a statement.

Tate said Vinehout’s efforts will contribute to the election of a Democratic governor in November by producing progressive legislation and calling attention to problems in the current administration.

“Without question, Wisconsin is a better place with Kathleen Vinehout in public service, and we look forward to hearing her strong progressive voice around the state as she continues her recovery,” Tate said.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Joe Fadness said in a statement her decision not to run was made under pressure from Democratic Party leadership that favored gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke.