STEUBENVILLE — Bob Mazeroski has withdrawn from the race for Ohio House of Representatives District 96.

The Jefferson County Board of Elections confirmed Friday afternoon that Mazeroski had dropped out. Mazeroski’s name still will appear on the ballot opposite of incumbent state Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire. According to Mary Birkhimer, deputy director of the board of elections, the board will put signs on polling machines notifying voters of his decision. She said any ballots cast for Mazeroski won’t be counted. Notifications also will be included with absentee ballots.

Jefferson County Republican Chairman Matt Parise said he has spoken with Mazeroski several times about his decision to withdraw.

“He had some family issues come up,” Parise said. “I always say to put your family first, and Bob is putting that first. The campaign is second. He believes he has to step back.”

Parise said the ballots for the Nov. 6 general election have been printed. He said it also is too late for the party to try to put a write-in candidate on the ballot.

“There is nothing the Republican Party can do at this point,” he said.

Mazeroski, 56, defeated Fiona Ruminski, of Toronto, in the Republican primary. He has been a pastor New Life Church in Weirton for 15 years. Prior to that, he was a manager of a multimillion-dollar horse racing business.

When he first entered the campaign, Mazeroski said he decided to run for state representative after becoming struck by the decline in American values and expectations during a visit to Washington, D.C.

Efforts to reach Mazeroski for a comment were unsuccessful. His cell phone number has been disconnected.

Cera said he supports Mazeroski’s decision and looks forward to continuing to serve the district.

“I appreciate that he is doing what is best for his family,” he said.

The district includes all of Jefferson and Monroe counties and a portion of Belmont County.