COLUMBIA--Chip Campsen has stepped down as Gov. Mark Sanford's policy advisory and is considering a run for the state Senate, Campsen's wife, Lalla Lee, said Saturday.

"He had committed to Mark for the first legislative session and they had had that agreement up front," Lalla Lee Campsen said.

Chip Campsen was traveling with his two sons Saturday and was unavailable for comment, Lalla Lee Campsen said. She said her husband appreciated the opportunity to work with Sanford, a college friend, but it was time to return to his family on Isle of Palms.

"It has been exciting to advance his agenda of change for South Carolina, but my service has kept me away from home for almost nine months," Chip Campsen said in a statement.

Campsen, 44, was active in Sanford's gubernatorial campaign and helped set up the administration during the transition. He served as Sanford's senior policy adviser since the governor's inauguration in January.

"I'd like to thank Chip for being an integral part of our team as well as a trusted adviser and friend," Sanford said in a statement. "Chip's commitment to that central notion of change has served this administration well and will serve him well moving forward in whatever he decides to do."

Campsen served six years in the South Carolina House of Representatives before stepping down in 2002 to honor a self-imposed term-limit pledge. Now, he's considering a run to replace retiring state Sen. Arthur Ravenel Jr.

Ravenel, a 76-year-old Republican from Mount Pleasant, says he'll end his long career in politics when his term is up next year.

"I haven't actively laid groundwork for the Senate seat as I consider it inappropriate to do so while serving the governor," Chip Campsen said. "I will further explore the Senate run and make that decision after settling back at home."