In an unexpected move, Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R) announced today at 5 p.m. that she will not seek re-election.

"After much soul-searching, I have decided not to seek re-election next year," Rell said, according to the Hartford Courant.

The newspaper reported that it was "a hastily called press conference" held in her Capitol office "with her family standing by."

Connecticut is one of 18 states with Republican governors whose terms are up in 2010. Nine of the 18 had either already announced they weren't running again or were term-limited. With Rell adding to that total, now a majority of the Republican-held governorships will be open races next year.

Rell originally assumed office in July 2004 after the resignation of Republican governor John Rowland, who left before impeachment proceedings could begin. Rell was elected to a full term in 2006 with 63 percent of the vote, and she was fully expected to run for re-election next year.