One candidate for Amarillo mayor has announced his decision to exit the race, and instead endorse another opponent who is challenging incumbent Mayor Ginger Nelson this May.

Local resident Jeffrey McElreath told The Amarillo Pioneer on Tuesday that he will be withdrawing from the race for Amarillo mayor, after first announcing his candidacy in November. However, McElreath said he has already decided to throw his weight behind the newest candidate who is challenging Nelson — Amarillo businessman Michael Hunt.

“He wants to make Amarillo better and I think he would make a good mayor,” McElreath said, explaining his decision to back Hunt.

Hunt, a local businessman and catering company owner, announced his campaign for mayor on Monday, joining the race against Nelson ahead of the May 1st Election Day. Hunt says he will focus on issues like promoting fiscal responsibility, supporting small businesses and first responders, marketing Amarillo as a premier tourist destination, and reforming Animal Management & Welfare.

With McElreath’s exit from the Amarillo mayoral race, Nelson will now contend with her re-election fight against Michael Hunt. Paralegal Claudette Smith, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2019, is also running.

Filing for spots on the ballot begins tomorrow, January 13. Election Day is May 1.