Soddy Daisy Commissioner Gene Shipley said Thursday he has decided not to wage a write-in campaign for County Commission District 1.
Instead, he said he will back Randy Fairbanks, who upset longtime Commissioner Fred Skillern in the Republican primary.
County School Board member Rhonda Thurman is waging a write-in campaign for the seat.
Mr. Shipley said, "On Monday, May 19, I announced a possible campaign for the Hamilton County District 1 Commission Seat. After further consideration I feel that it is more than I can do at this time, I need to spend time with family and I still operate my own business.
"I have two and half years on my Soddy-Daisy term as commissioner with many projects going. If elected, I don't feel I would be able to represent both seats fairly. At this time I remove my name from this race.
"Looking at ideals and opinions of the other candidates I will look forward to working with Mr. Fairbanks' campaign."