Ben Affleck is taking his name off the list of possible candidates for US Senator John Kerry's seat, which would be open if the Democrat from Massachusetts is confirmed as secretary of state.

Affleck says on his Facebook page that while he loves the political process, he will not be running for public office.

Speculation about the Cambridge, Massachusetts, native rose slightly when he did not completely rule out a Senate bid during an appearance on CBS' Face The Nation on Sunday.

On his Facebook page, Affleck says he would continue working with the Eastern Congo Initiative, a nonprofit organisation that helps direct humanitarian aid to the war-torn region, and for other causes.