WINTON – A four-man race for the District 2 seat on the Hertford County Board of Commissioners has lost one of its candidates.

Maurice F. Vann of Ahoskie has withdrawn his name from contention. He made his intentions known to bow out of the race in a letter sent to the Hertford County Board of Elections.

In that letter, dated Jan. 21, Vann wrote, “I have decided to withdraw from the race and I hope that my name could be removed from the ballot because I’ve decided to suspend my campaign.”

Vann filed paperwork on Dec. 11 declaring his candidacy for the District 2 County Commissioner seat.

That seat is currently held by two-term incumbent Ronald Gatling, who was named as the Commission Chairman on Dec. 7.

Gatling has filed for reelection.

Despite Vann’s withdrawal from the race, Gatling will still face the challenge of political newcomers Darren Smallwood Jr. and Scott Outlaw during the March 15 Primary. The winner of that race will move forward to the General Election in November.