The Republican field in the upcoming primaries for a seat representing N.C. House District 79 dropped from two candidates to one on Wednesday. Washington candidate Jim Chesnutt announced yesterday afternoon that he would withdraw from the race.

In a statement sent to media on Wednesday afternoon, Chesnutt cited personal reasons as being the determining factor in his withdrawal.

“Effective 4 p.m. today, March 7, 2018, because of unexpected family issues, I am terminating my campaign for the May 8^th Primary Election for the District 79 N.C. House of Representatives seat,” the signed statement read.

Chesnutt’s withdrawal leaves Washington resident Republican Keith Kidwell as the only Republican contender for the office. Two candidates remain for the Democratic nomination: Bryson Kiel Jones of New Bern and Jerry E. Langley of Washington. The winner of the May 8 Democratic primary will go on to face Kidwell in November.