Jason Handy said he is departing the race because of 'career opportunities.'
FRANKLIN TWP. -- A Republican candidate for township committee has announced his departure from the race, according to an announcement from the township Republican Party.
Jason Handy submitted a letter to the county board of elections asking that he be removed from the November ballot, citing "career opportunities that were not foreseeable" when he originally ran for the seat.
Handy, described in the announcement as a career financial professional, said he will likely need to relocate in early 2017.
The party executive committee approved Mary Petsch-Wilson to replace Handy on the ballot, said Franklin GOP Chairman Jim Michaelson.
Handy and fellow Republican David P. Deegan Jr. ran unchallenged in the June primary for the party's nomination.
Handy vowed to remain involved in supporting the party's efforts.
"I plan to be in town through the fall election and beyond. I will take an active role in the campaign of my outstanding running mate Dave Deegan and Mary Petsch-Wilson." Handy said. "We will present the voters with an alternative slate of candidates that represents professionalism and prudent management.
Deegan and Petsch-Wilson will face Democrats Luis Gonzalez and Frank B. Scavelli in November.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.