"We recently learned that my wife has a health issue that will require my time, attention and presence. In other words, I need to be there," Josh Mandel wrote in an e-mail to supporters. | Tony Dejak/AP Photo Mandel drops out of Ohio Senate race vs. Sherrod Brown

Republican Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel is dropping out of the state's U.S. Senate race because of a family health issue, leaving Republicans without a top-tier contender against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in a state President Donald Trump won easily in 2016.

"We recently learned that my wife has a health issue that will require my time, attention and presence. In other words, I need to be there," Mandel wrote in an email to supporters. "Understanding and dealing with this health issue is more important to me than any political campaign."


"I’m writing today to let you know that I am ending my campaign for U.S. Senate in order to be there for my wife and our three children," he continued. "This was a difficult decision for us, but it’s the right one."

The only Republican competition for Brown, who is running for a third term in the Senate, is Mike Gibbons, a self-funding businessman who has never previously run for office. Mandel had previously run against Brown in 2012, losing by 6 percentage points.

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Mandel's departure from the race creates a vacuum for other candidates to fill, but Republicans won't have long to recruit a replacement. Ohio's filing deadline is Feb. 7, and the primary is set for May 8. GOP operatives suggested Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and Rep. Jim Renacci, both of whom are running in a crowded GOP field for governor, could move to the Senate contest.

Wes Anderson, a senior adviser to Renacci, said the congressman had received calls from major donors and senators encouraging him to exit the gubernatorial contest and jump into the Senate contest.

"He'll make a final decision this weekend," he said.

Taylor’s team declined to say whether she would be interested in running and said only they are receiving “ a lot of calls.”

Ohio Gov. Kasich, according to an aide, is not interested in running for the Senate.

Two self-funders could also enter the race: J.D. Vance, a former venture capitalist who wrote the best-selling "Hillbilly Elegy" and considered a Senate run last year before ruling it out in September; and Todd Leebow, the CEO of Majestic Steel who recently met with President Donald Trump.

A rematch between the 39-year-old Mandel and Brown had long been anticipated. Mandel entered the Senate race in December 2016, and has lined up support from major Republicans donors and outside groups across the ideological spectrum, including establishment figures like Sen. Rob Portman and insurgent groups like Club for Growth and Senate Conservatives Fund.

But Mandel had also made enemies in GOP politics. Some D.C.-based operatives were skeptical of his chances, and his decision to endorse Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for president had alienated backers of Kasich.

In a statement, Gibbons wished the best for Mandel and his family and argued he remains best-positioned to defeat Brown, calling for the GOP to unite behind him.

"As a conservative outsider, no one is better positioned to end career-politician Sherrod Brown’s career than I am," Gibbons said.

While Republicans are still looking for another candidate, Gibbons has assembled a team of top-flight national consultants, led by Mike Biundo and John Brabender, both presidential campaign veterans. Gibbons, who has a substantial net worth, has already loaned his campaign $500,000 and begun airing television ads. Gibbons’ campaign said the Ohio banker has committed to spending an additional $5 million in the race “if needed” in response to Mandel’s decision.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee praised Mandel, even as his exit left them without an obvious nominee.

“Josh, Ilana and the entire Mandel family will be kept in our prayers during this difficult time,” said NRSC Chairman Cory Gardner. “Not only is Josh a dedicated husband and father, but he’s also a strong, conservative leader. I know he will continue to make a difference in Ohio and nationally for years to come.”

Brown's campaign also wished Mandel's family the best.

“At this time, we wish Josh, Ilana and their family the best of health. We hope for Ilana's full and speedy recovery," Brown campaign manager Justin Barasky said.