Vermont House Speaker Shap Smith, who announced he would run for Governor in August, announced Tuesday he is dropping out of the race.
Speaker Smith announced he was suspending his campaign after his wife, Melissa, was diagnosed and will undergo treatment for breast cancer. He said he would continue to represent his constituents in the House and serve as Speaker for the remainder of his term, but his wife’s diagnosis had reshaped his priorities and stepping away from his gubernatorial campaign was the right thing to do.
The 49-year-old lawyer, who has served as House speaker since 2009, was expected to face former lawmaker Matt Dunne and former Transportation Secretary Sue Minter in the primary.
Smith said he would not seek re-election to the House.