Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington announced Wednesday afternoon that he will drop out of the race to be governor of Alabama.

Carrington was the first candidate to join what became a crowded field.

Carrington, who spoke Wednesday morning at Autocar's event announcing its Birmingham factory, gave little indication of why he was leaving the race, saying only that it was not due to relationship or health issues.

"It just wasn't meant to be," the statement read. Read the full statement below.

One possible reason: Gov. Kay Ivey finally announced last week that she would be seeking election for a full term.

Also seeking the GOP nomination for governor are Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, evangelist Scott Dawson, Sen. Bill Hightower, Birmingham businessman Josh Jones and former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy Lee George. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is running as a Democrat.

Here's Carrington's full statement:

"After prayerful consideration, I've decided it's time for me to end my campaign for Governor.

My six-month journey has been fascinating - one I will never forget or regret. I've learned so much about our state, its politics, its citizens and myself.

My decision has nothing to do with health or relationship issues; it just wasn't meant to be.

To my family and friends, thank you for your words of encouragement. To my contributors and volunteers, thank you for the confidence you placed in me. To my wife Sonia, thank you for your unending love and support. And, to the remaining candidates, Godspeed.

I plan to serve out the remainder of my term on the Jefferson County Commission and have no current plans to seek another elected office in the future. It was never about the position; it was always about improving the quality of government for our citizens.

In closing, I want my campaign contributors to know they will be reimbursed in full and my vendors to know they will be paid in full."