State Sen. Bob Gardner has failed to qualify for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District Republican primary ballot after his petitions came up short, the Colorado Springs lawmaker said Saturday.

That leaves state GOP Chairman Dave Williams and political consultant Jeff Crank as the two Republicans vying for the seat held by retiring U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn.

Gardner, a 70-year-old attorney and Air Force veteran, said that he learned late Friday from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office that petitions he submitted last month had fewer than the 1,500 valid signatures required to make the June 25 ballot.

“I’ve always believed there’s more to life than the next political office, so there’s many opportunities to serve,” Gardner told Colorado Politics, adding that he intends to concentrate on the month remaining in this year’s legislative session.

Gardner said he hadn’t given any thought to whether he’ll make an endorsement in the primary.

“We’re not just about a single elected office, but our community and our state and our country,” he said.

In an email to supporters, Gardners said he was disappointed but not discouraged.

“From the day we announced, we have been gratified and encouraged by the support and contributions of so many good people who believe in our platform and our message of standing for conservative principles and getting things done for the people of the Pikes Peak region.”

Gardner announced his candidacy in January days after Lamborn’s surprise announcement that he wouldn’t seek a 10th term representing the reliably Republican district, which coincides roughly with the boundaries of El Paso County.

“It was my hope that even if just by a little bit, we could make a change for the better for families, veterans, and most of all, our children and grandchildren — that we could change the culture of performative and divisive politics that cripples our Country and prevents us from solving the serious issues of border security, affordability of life for our families, and support for our servicemembers and veterans,” Gardner said.

“Finally,” he added, “I am reminded that we do not serve in the places and times of our choosing; we are called to serve in the places and times God gives to us. May God bless each of you and our Country.”

A former El Paso County GOP chairman, Gardner served four terms in the state House before his election in 2016 to the state Senate, where he faces term limits after this year.

Williams and Crank both praised Gardner’s commitment to public service in statements to Colorado Politics.

“As our Trump-endorsed campaign earns support from voters with our America-First message, we wish Senator Bob Gardner the best as he continues his work in the State Senate,” Williams said in a text message that also included an attack aimed at Crank.

Crank said in a text message that Gardner has been his friend for two decades.

“He has been a warrior for freedom and liberty — and a hero on educational choice,” Crank said. “Bob and I have stood shoulder to shoulder in many political battles. I know the sting and disappointment he is feeling this morning will fade and he will be back at the legislature fighting for our freedoms on Monday at 8 am. That’s the kind of man Bob Gardner is.”

Williams landed top-line designation on the primary ballot by winning the largest share of delegate votes at the district’s GOP assembly. Crank qualified by petition.

In addition to a handful of third-party and unaffiliated candidates, two Democrats are running in their party’s primary for the seat, which has only been held by Republicans since its creation more than 50 years ago. First-time candidates River Gassen, an astronomy and solar energy science teacher, and Army veteran and veterans’ advocate Joe Reagan both qualified for the ballot at the Democrats’ district assembly last month.

Primary ballots go out in the mail to voters in early June and are due back to the county clerk by 7 p.m. June 25.

Editor’s note: This developing story has been updated.