New York (CNN) – Republican Gov. Jodi Rell of Connecticut will not seek re-election, according to spokesperson Rich Harris.

Rell, 63, was the first Republican woman to be elected governor of Connecticut.

Rell, who took office in 2007, still enjoys a relatively high approval rating in her state. "Nearly six out of 10 people approve of the job Rell is doing as governor, according to the most recent state public opinion survey, which was conducted in September," according to CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser. "While that's down about 15 points from earlier this year, most likely due to Connecticut's budget problems, it's still a number any incumbent politician would be happy to have."

Democrat Ned Lamont, who defeated Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic Senate primary but lost to him in the general election, is currently exploring a potential gubernatorial run.