Local attorney Russ Jones has announced that he is withdrawing from the race for State Senate.

In a news release Wednesday, Jones said he decided to put family first.

Jones said he realized his campaign began after speaking with the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee on September 11th.

Shortly thereafter, he scheduled tour of North Platte Community College with President Ryan Purdy and Vice President Marcus Garstecki and was so impressed with the “progressive thought process of the administrators,” he realized how rewarding it would be to serve the 42nd District.

However, upon returning home and seeing his son, a Freshman in high school, Jones realized he had a tough choice to make.

After discussing the matter with family, friends and supporters, he decided that, while his son was alright with his run for the Legislature, he was not.

Jones said, “The decision to run was difficult, the decision to not run was not.”

As for the next couple of months, Jones says he will take time to meet with and thank his supporters.

Two candidates, Scott Dulin and Roric Paulman, are still in the running for the seat being vacated by Tom Hansen.