Tom McCullough said Friday he has decided to pull out of the House District 27 race.
The former school official said, "With much thought and prayer, I have decided to end my current pursuit of a seat in the Tennessee State Legislature. I believe I was a viable candidate with a lot to offer. The legislature needs thoughtful and insightful people. However, when Patsy Hazelwood entered the race on the last day to qualify, the dynamics changed. I knew that my original two opponents had strong fundraising capabilities, one in particular. But I was determined to use my resources well and hoped that the many friendships developed in my 42 years of education would compensate for my lack of campaign wealth.
"However, adding another well-respected, strong candidate to the field, one with the ability to dilute my strength on Signal Mountain and to raise a lot of money, I have decided to withdraw. I want to thank all who have encouraged me, all who had agreed to help in my organization and all who contributed financially.
"The last four weeks have been filled with phone calls, emails and letter writing, meetings, envelope stuffing, planning sessions and prayer. I will wait and engage the three candidates before deciding whether to support any particular one. I will continue to seek God’s will in my life and pray for the best for you and your families."