LIBERTY TWP, Ohio — Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds announced Friday that he is withdrawing from the race to replace U.S. Rep. John Boehner as representative of Ohio’s 8th Congressional District.
“It is with a strong mix of emotions that I announce my withdrawal of candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives for the 8th district of Ohio,” he said. “The outpouring of support and confidence extended by so many supporters makes this decision extremely difficult.”
Reynolds, who has served as Butler County Auditor since 2008, cited family commitments as the primary factor for ending his campaign.
“The balance of family responsibilities and commitment to the job is delicate for all parents, including elected officials. When I made the decision to run 12 weeks ago, I was confident I could balance the family needs of raising two teenage daughters with the needs of the campaign and ultimately the responsibilities as congressman. I now realize a healthy balance is not possible and my family must take priority,” he said.
In his withdrawal announcement, Reynolds shifted his support to the campaign of State Rep. Tim Derickson of Hanover Township in Butler County.
“I’d like to express my full support of Tim Derickson’s candidacy and look forward to doing all I can to make him our next Congressman,” Reynolds said.
He added, “Tim Derickson is my friend. Tim and I share the same values and concerns about our nation’s future. I’ve known and worked with Tim for many years and I have an unwavering confidence that he’ll passionately represent Ohio’s 8th Congressional district with humility and strong leadership.”
Reynolds declared his candidacy following Boehner’s surprise resignation announcement in late September. He was one of a number of Republicans who jumped into the race, including Rep. Derickson, State Sen. Bill Beagle of Tipp City, Ohio, and J.D. Winteregg of Troy, Ohio, among others.
The Republicans hold their primary March 15, 2016. A special election to fill the remainder of Boehner’s term will be held June 7. The general election for a representative to serve the full two-year term is November 8.
