ST. PAUL — A Republican sped up his planned exit from the state Senate, announcing Thursday he’ll resign this fall from the seat he had already opted not to again run for in 2016.

Sen. Branden Petersen said he’s been checked out of his legislative service for months and feels the district deserves a replacement who can serve the district better in time for the 2016 legislative session. The 29-year-old had been torn between foregoing re-election and resigning outright before announcing this summer he wouldn’t run for a second term — a decision, he said, rooted in a desire to focus on his young family and earn a better income.

“If I’m being honest with myself … I’m not going to be able to provide that 100 percent effort that everybody deserves,” the Andover Republican said.