Drye dropping run for 104th House District seat

Republican Jerry Drye, who filed to challenge Rep. Ruth Samuelson, R-Mecklenburg, in the May primary for the GOP nomination for the 104th House District, has withdrawn from the race. Drye, who ran unsuccessfully for the Charlotte City Council last year, said Wednesday he had decided not to pursue the campaign. His decision enter the race came late in the filing period, and his decision to withdraw was difficult, he said, but this was not the time to seek the seat.
Samuelson said Thursday that she and Drye had talked earlier and that he had said he would support her -- and would even hold a fundraiser for her. Drye's name will remain on the ballot.
The Republican nominee will face Democrat Frank Deaton in the fall.