Andrew Griffin, one of five Republicans running for Congress in the 5th district to fill the seat being vacated by Congressman Robert Hurt, has withdrawn from the race saying,
“I entered this race as a principled conservative who has been frustrated with both the political process as well as the GOP,” he wrote. “The Republican Party of 30 years ago has been watered down and we have gradually lost our identity.”
“It is after careful consideration that I have determined that the people of Virginia’s 5th Congressional District are better served by me in other capacities as opposed to a candidate at this time,”
“My love of God, country and Virginia compelled me to enter this race, but after falling short of my goals for both delegate recruitment and fundraising, I have concluded that I do not have the necessary infrastructure in place to maintain a competitive campaign,”
Still in the race for the Republican nomination are Senator Tom Garrett Jr, (R-Buckingham), Jim McKelvey a Bedford-area businessman, technology executive Michael Del Rosso, and congressional intelligence adviser Joseph Whited.
After he withdrew from the race, Andrew Griffin endorsed Senator Garrett.
