Susan Rice, the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations, has told President Obama not to select her as Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s successor, the White House announced.

In a letter to Obama, Rice wrote that her nomination could have led to an ugly Senate fight. “I am convinced the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly — to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities,” she wrote.

Rice was considered a leading contender to replace Clinton, who is expected to step down early next year. But following a terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya that led to the death of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Rice fell under heavy criticism by Senate Republicans who have claimed that she gave faulty information in interviews with Sunday morning talk shows.

In a statement, Obama said he hopes Rice will stay on in his administration.”

“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,” he said. “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.”