Cooper Beck has withdrawn from the Henderson City Commission race.
Beck, the founder and executive director of Henderson KY Pride, made the announcement Thursday afternoon on his campaign Facebook page. He did not elaborate on the reasons why in a statement posted on that page.
On his personal page, however, he said he is withdrawing because of some exciting opportunities that he wants to pursue, and “after a lot of reflection, I knew it wasn’t fair to remain in the race if I could no longer give it the commitment the people of Henderson deserve.”
Reached by phone Thursday, Beck said he couldn’t add much more than his statements on Facebook.
He repeated that he had some exciting opportunities, his circumstances have changed and there was no negativity involved.
He called it “probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.”
“Getting to run for office was one of the core memories of my life I will never forget,” he said.
He added, though, that “I am excited for what’s ahead.”
With Beck’s withdrawal, November’s general election for city commission has been winnowed down to six candidates, including incumbents Kelsey Hargis and Robert Pruitt, as well as Chris Thomas, Kristie Randolph, Isaac Church and Tom Williams.
At the end of June, incumbent Nick Whitt, who was the second-leading vote-getter in the May primary, resigned from his current seat and dropped out of the November general election because he and his family moved to a home in the Thorn Ridge subdivision, which is a county address and leaves him ineligible to serve.
Beck said he will give more information on his move at a later date but didn’t say when.
Here is Beck’s statement:
“Today, I am announcing that I will be withdrawing my candidacy for Henderson City Commission.
As I’ve looked toward the next chapter of my life, it’s become clear that my path is taking me in a different direction. Because of that, I don’t believe it’s fair to the voters to remain on the ballot.
To everyone who believed in me and supported this campaign, thank you. Your encouragement, kindness, and confidence have meant more than you know.
While I’m stepping away from this campaign, what inspired me to run hasn’t changed. I still believe in a Henderson for everyone, and I always will.
Thank you for believing in that vision alongside me.”
