Susan Rice has withdrawn her name for consideration to be nominated for secretary of state.

“If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly—to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities,” Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., wrote in a letter to President Obama obtained by NBC News.

“That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country…Therefore, I respectfully request that you no longer consider my candidacy at this time,” she added.

Here’s the full letter.

Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain, had opposed Rice for the post, citing her role in putting out incomplete information about the attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya in September. McCain called her “not qualified.” Some Democrats charged that race and gender played a role in the attacks.

Obama had expressed support for Rice in the face of the attacks from McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham. “They should go after me,” he said at his first press conference after his re-election.

The news leaves Sen. John Kerry as the likely frontrunner for the job.

President Obama said in a statement:

Today, I spoke to Ambassador Susan Rice, and accepted her decision to remove her name from consideration for Secretary of State. For two decades, Susan has proven to be an extraordinarily capable, patriotic, and passionate public servant. As my Ambassador to the United Nations, she plays an indispensable role in advancing America’s interests. Already, she has secured international support for sanctions against Iran and North Korea, worked to protect the people of Libya, helped achieve an independent South Sudan, stood up for Israel’s security and legitimacy, and served as an advocate for UN reform and the human rights of all people. I am grateful that Susan will continue to serve as our Ambassador at the United Nations and a key member of my cabinet and national security team, carrying her work forward on all of these and other issues. I have every confidence that Susan has limitless capability to serve our country now and in the years to come, and know that I will continue to rely on her as an advisor and friend. While I deeply regret the unfair and misleading attacks on Susan Rice in recent weeks, her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first. The American people can be proud to have a public servant of her caliber and character representing our country.