Doug Craig, says he will be stepping down from the Conservative Party nomination in Cambridge and instead support former CTV journalist Tyler Calver, who is also seeking the nomination.

"I'm stepping back and I'm going to try and help him win the nomination and of course the riding in Cambridge," Craig told CBC K-W.

Craig's decision to seek the Tory nomination for the 2019 federal election came shortly after he lost his mayoral seat to former Liberal MPP Kathryn McGarry in the Oct. 22 municipal election.

Stepping away from the nomination was a difficult decision, but the right one for him and the people of Cambridge, Craig said.

He said he's now asking his supporters to support Calver.

"Tyler best exemplifies the values of the Conservative Party and has the best ability and chances of winning the riding for the Conservatives in Cambridge," he said.

Liberal MP Byan May currently holds the Cambridge seat.