Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel announced today in a statement that he intends to drop out of the upcoming race for Senate against. Sen. Sherrod Brown.
Mandel, a Republican, said in the statement that his wife has been recently diagnosed with an illness, and that his focus needs to be on her recovery:
Understanding and dealing with this health issue is more important to me than any political campaign. For as long as that takes, whether it is months or years, it is important that I heed my dad’s advice and be there for my wife and our kids.
After recent discussions with our family and healthcare professionals, it has become clear to us that it’s no longer possible for me to be away from home and on the campaign trail for the time needed to run a US Senate race.
Mandel says he will continue to serve out his term as State Treasurer, and hopes to hold office again in the future.