Ohio Senate Race: Josh Mandel Drops Out

Josh Mandel, the Republican challenger for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown's U.S. Senate seat, has dropped out. He was the favorite to earn the party's nomination in the May primaries. His departure opens the door for other candidates, but also leaves the party with about a month to build a replacement challenger to face Brown.

"We recently learned that my wife has a health issue that will require my time, attention and presence. In other words, I need to be there," Mandel said in a letter posted to supporters. "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."

Mandel will finish his term as Ohio treasurer, which ends in 2018.

"Josh Mandel has made an honorable decision to be with his family in a time of need," Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken said in a statement to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "While we are saddened to see him leave the race, we understand, and offer our thoughts and prayers to his family. Our focus is, and will continue to be, on electing Republicans statewide and continuing to make Ohio stronger."

The likely replacement for Mandel is Mike Gibbons, a Cleveland-area businessman. Mandel was leading Gibbons both in fundraising and at the polls, the Hill reported. Several of the state's popular Republican candidates are tied up in bids to replace the departing Governor John Kasich, who is term-limited.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted have joined together in a bid to replace Kasich. Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor is also looking to take her boss' job. It's possible one or more of those candidates abandons their bid for the Columbus State House to try and steal Brown's seat instead.

The filing deadline for the May primary is Feb. 7.

Mandel previously faced off with Brown in 2012 for the same Senate seat. Brown beat Mandel that year, claiming about 50 percent of the vote to Mandel's 45.4 percent.

AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File