Concord School Board Candidate Drops Out Of 2021 Race

CONCORD, NH — One of four candidates running for three at-large board of education seats in Concord has dropped out of the race.

Timothy Benitez said in an email to news outlets, the district’s superintendent, the district's clerk, and other candidates, he would not be a candidate and would end campaign activities.

“I will no longer be able to run for Concord School Board due to unforeseen circumstances at the time I signed up as a candidate,” he said. “Therefore, I am withdrawing my candidacy effective immediately.”

Benitez and three other candidates, incumbents Barbara Higgins and Pamela Walsh, and another challenger, Robert Cotton, were scheduled to debate on Tuesday and Thursday. He will remain on the ballot since he withdrew after the board of education ballots were printed. The Concord City Clerk’s Office confirmed absentee ballots have already been cast in the race.

It is unknown, at post time, what would happen if Benitez were to win one of the three seats and not be able to serve. More than likely, the board would meet to choose another person to serve until the next filing period, which would be the November 2022 election, to fill the remainder of the term. Roger Phillips, the district clerk, said in the past, board members have chosen a replacement candidate, usually the runner-up, until another election could be held.

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