Mark Harris announced on Tuesday that he will not run in the new U.S. House District 9 race.
The announcement comes a week after the North Carolina Board of Elections ordered a new election after an evidentiary hearing into potential wrongdoing.
>>Read: New election ordered in 9th district after Harris calls for new race
Last week, Harris gave up his fight to be declared winner of November's 9th congressional district race, saying serious public doubts about the contest's fairness warranted a new election.
He also said as part of his previous illness, he suffered two strokes, struggled with his recollection during his statements and was not up to testifying due to complications from his recent hospitalization.
On Tuesday, he said in a statement, “Given my health situation, the need to regain full strength, and the timing of this surgery the last week of March, I have decided not to file in the new election for Congressional District 9.”
>>TIMELINE: US House District 9 race investigation: How we got here
Harris said because of his serious health condition, surgery is now necessary and scheduled for the last week in March.
He said, "Again, it has been an honor to have your love, support, encouragement, and prayers each step of our journey together. Over the next few weeks as I continue to gain strength for surgery, I want to respect my family’s desire for privacy and I will not be doing interviews."
Harris also said he hopes his supporters will get behind Union County Commissioner Stony Rushing in the new election.
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