Shuwaski Young, the Democratic Party’s candidate for Mississippi’s secretary of state’s office, has announced plans to withdraw from the election.
Young, who was running on the platform of improving the state’s election process and investigating Mississippi’s $77 million public welfare scandal, cited a recent health condition as his reason to remove himself from contention against incumbent Republican Michael Watson.
“Recently, I suffered a hypertensive crisis which placed an immediate and continuous challenge on my ability to campaign for the office of secretary of state,” Young said. “My intent was to press forward knowing full well the risk being placed on my health due to a rigorous campaign schedule. I can no longer take this risk. Therefore, I am announcing my intent to withdraw my candidacy for secretary of state.”
In order for the Democratic Party to have a candidate in the race, Young must submit an affidavit to the state’s election board. Then, the party’s executive committee will have the option to appoint a substitute to fill the void if the board accepts Young’s request.
As of now, Watson is on the ballot unopposed.
Mississippians have until October 9 to register to vote in general election
