In one of the first major moves of this political season, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui is withdrawing his plans to run for Maui mayor next year.

It is a decision that will obviously have an effect on campaigns on Maui, but could also have a dramatic effect on the race for governor.

Tsutsui, who all last week served as acting governor while Gov. David Ige was on a goodwill mission to the Philippines, said in a state Capitol interview that he’s decided both to not run for another term as lieutenant governor and not run for mayor because of family reasons.

Tsutsui said the decision came after he took his oldest child off to college on the mainland a month ago.

“Seeing her off and thinking ‘Boy, that happened really quick,’ and along the way, I have missed some things. My wife and I were a little emotional; it made me really stop and think,” Tsutsui said.

“If I were to run and become mayor, I would have high expectations for myself. I don’t really know how to balance my time. This is a family decision with my wife and our three kids.”

Tsutsui, 45, added that he plans to take a year off and “recharge.”

As of right now, Tsutsui said he plans to serve out the rest of his term as lieutenant governor. When Tsutsui was considering a run for Maui mayor, he was also thinking he would have to resign early next year — but now he will serve until November 2018.

“I intended on leaving if I was to run for mayor because I would just focus on the campaign. It would be too difficult to be LG and run a campaign,” Tsutsui said, explaining that he has state security wherever he goes and it would be difficult to go to campaign rallies with protection.

“I don’t want to be accused of using state dollars for a campaign, I didn’t want to get into the splitting of hairs,” he said.

For now, Tsutsui, a popular Democratic leader who has served in the state Senate, as Senate president and lieutenant governor, is still expected to play a role in local politics. He ruled out a future run for Congress, but said he expects “to remain politically active.”

At some time, Tsutsui said, he will have an endorsement for Maui mayor. The candidate with the most name recognition now is Councilmember Mike Victorino, but Tsutsui said “I assume there will be candidates that I feel very comfortable with, but it is too early.”

The other big office is governor — and as lieutenant governor, an endorsement by Tsutsui would be pivotal.

“I think his endorsement is crucial. There is no question it will sway voters on Maui. And if you are going to be honest about it, there is no one better prepared to pass judgment on the governor’s race than Shan Tsutsui,” said former Gov. Neil Abercrombie.

“There is no one in the state with a better political mind and political instinct and more credibility with elected officials than Shan Tsutsui,” said Abercrombie.

Both Abercrombie and Tsutsui say at this time neither have plans to endorse either Ige or U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic primary. The third possible candidate, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, has reportedly decided to run for lieutenant governor and not governor.

Tsutsui does not enjoy a warm relationship with Ige and feels frustrated about not being included in the administration.

“I think it is OK. Maybe the expectations were different. They have a particular style and they are committed to it,” Tsutsui said. “I think on a number of things, I think we just agree to disagree.”

If Tsutsui does make an endorsement, it is likely to be the most crucial and important one of the race for governor.