Liz Cheney is exiting the Republican race for Wyoming's U.S. Senate seat, citing serious family health concerns.

"Serious health issues have recently arisen in our family, and under the circumstances, I have decided to discontinue my campaign," Cheney, 47, daughter of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, said in a statement early Monday. "My children and their futures were the motivation for our campaign, and their health and well-being will always be my overriding priority."

“As a mother and a patriot, I know that the work of defending freedom and protecting liberty must continue for each generation … Though this campaign stops today, my commitment to keep fighting with you and your families for the fundamental values that have made this nation and Wyoming great will never stop."

Cheney has not yet provided specifics about the illness in her family. Cheney was looking to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) in August's primary election.