OHIO — Ted Williams, an ex-homeless man who was launched into the national spotlight in 2011, said Friday he's not running for Ohio governor a little over a week after announcing his campaign. 

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news and bringing a halt to all the laughter and the shock but I am not running for Ohio Governor or any other political office," Williams wrote in a statement. 

Ted Williams gained national attention after appearing in a video by The Columbus Dispatch a decade ago panhandling on a highway ramp with a sign advertising his golden voice. The video’s millions of views led to national television appearances and earned Williams numerous voice-over jobs.

On the Republican side, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted have both been vocal about re-running, but haven't made it official. On the Democratic side, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley announced her bid for the seat earlier this month. She could go up against Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. 

The last Democrat to win a gubernatorial election in Ohio was Ted Strickland in 2006. The 2006 election was the only time in the last three decades a Democrat has won.