Josh Mandel drops out of U.S. Senate race

According to a press release, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel is dropping out of the GOP primary for U.S. Senate this year due to concerns about his wife’s health, clearing the way for GOP businessman Mike Gibbons to win the party nomination to take on incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown in November.

Mandel issued a statement to his supporters on Friday, saying in part:

“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. Understanding and dealing with this health issue is more important to me than any political campaign,” Mandel said.

“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,” he added.

Josh and Ilana Mandel have three young children.