A Greenville University men’s basketball coach who was set to announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 54th Senate District currently held by state Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon cancelled his appearances yesterday.

George Barber was set to announce his candidacy for the seat Monday during stops around the Senate district, according to a news release.

However, the 53-year-old Barber cancelled his candidacy announcement in an early Monday morning email saying additional information would be made available at a later date. His campaign website and Twitter page both remain blank.

Barber is set to start his 19th year of coaching at Greenville University. He has never run for public office before.

McCarter has said he will not seek another term.

Ben Stratemeyer, of Centralia, the chairman of the Marion County Republican Party, has thrown his name in the hat for the 54th district, as has New Baden resident and Air Force veteran Rafael Him.

No Democrat has announced a run for the seat.

The Senate district reaches from as far east as Effingham to Troy and Mascoutah to the west. The district also includes Nashville, Greenville and Salem.

Photo courtesy of: http://athletics.greenville.edu/sports/mbkb/coaches/Dr._George_Barber?view=bio