Former House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick has decided to pull out of the House District 26 race and take a position with an engineering firm in Nashville.
Among the top contenders considering the post are County Commissioner Greg Martin, former county Republican Party Chairman Tony Sanders and former state GOP Chairman Robin Smith.
Rep. McCormick's wife, Kim, earlier took a position with the State Board of Regents in Nashville, and the couple bought a house there and put their home on Big Ridge on the market.
He has formally submitted his intention of withdrawing his name from the upcoming election.
Kerry Steelman, election administrator, said, "The Hamilton County Election Commission office is in receipt of Representative Gerald McCormick’s formal notice withdrawing his candidacy in the August 2nd State Republican Primary Election.
" In this specific instance, TCA 2-5-101(g)(1)(D) permits, “Withdrawal because such candidate is forced to change residency by the candidate’s employer for a job-related reason.” This has established a 10-day qualifying timeframe for the Republican Primary beginning Tuesday, June 19, through Thursday, June 28, at 12:00 noon.
"The withdrawal deadline is set by TCA 2-5-204(b)(1), “A candidate who qualifies pursuant to 2-5-101(g)(1) must file a request to withdraw no later than 12:00 noon prevailing time on the 3rd day after the qualifying deadline.”
"Since the 3rd day falls on Sunday, then the withdrawal deadline shall be Friday, June 29, at 4 p.m."