FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — Former Allen County Sheriff Ken Fries has withdrawn from the Republican primary race for sheriff, citing health concerns, the Allen County Republican Party announced Monday morning.

In a news release, Fries said he is ending his campaign due to “personal health matters.” He added that his condition will still allow him to continue serving on the Allen County Council and remain active with Crime Stoppers.

“AFTER ANNOUNCING MY INTENT TO RUN FOR ALLEN COUNTY SHERIFF, I MADE THE DECISION NOT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CAMPAIGN DUE TO SOME PERSONAL HEALTH MATTERS.

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE SUPPORT AND FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUN AGAIN. I PLAN TO CONTINUE MY WORK ON ALLEN COUNTY COUNCIL AND WITH CRIME STOPPERS AS THESE ARE ROLES I AM ABLE TO MAINTAIN WHILE ADDRESSING THESE HEALTH MATTERS. ANYONE WHO HAS RECENTLY INVESTED IN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A GREATER SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT WILL BE RETURNED THEIR FUNDS IN A TIMELY MANNER. WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT FOR OUR PRIVACY.

SINCERELY,

KEN FRIES”

Fries previously served as Allen County sheriff from 2006 until his retirement in 2015. He had been challenging incumbent Sheriff Troy Hershberger in the Republican primary.

With Fries’ withdrawal, Hershberger will now run unopposed in the May primary election.

Despite stepping aside, Fries expressed continued criticism of Hershberger’s leadership, saying he believes Hershberger is not the right person for the role. Fries said he has received calls from current officers who claim morale within the department is low and had encouraged him to return as sheriff.

Hersherger’s campaign sent the following response:

“Today’s announcement was met with an overwhelming show of support from members of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department — officers and staff who work in this department every single day and know firsthand the state of our leadership and morale,” Hershberger said. “These are not anonymous voices on a phone. These are real officers making a real choice to stand publicly with their sheriff. Their presence today demonstrates the actual morale within our department.”