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Former Richmond Councilman Bruce Tyler said Tuesday he is dropping out of the city's mayoral race, bringing the field of candidates down to seven.

"Today, I find that I might actually hurt our city by diluting the vote," he said. "The unintended consequence of continuing my campaign could potentially ensure a victory for Joe Morrissey, whose values are so far apart from my own."

Recent polling has shown Morrissey, who has faced numerous personal and professional scandals over the course of his political career, with a strong lead in the race.

Tyler said that while he respects Morrissey, he worried the former state delegate's reputation would harm the city.

"Whether it’s right or wrong, I’m not going to judge," Tyler said. "But it will have a serious impact on him being able to lead this city and take it to the next level. He’s not respected enough as an individual to be a mayor, that’s what I hear time and time again."

Tyler, an architect, served two four-year terms on the council before losing his 1st District seat representing the West End by 20 votes in 2012 to another mayoral contender, sitting Councilman Jon Baliles.