An Effingham businessman who had previously announced he was seeking the Republican nomination for 107th State Representative has removed himself from the race leaving the ticket empty leading up to the 2018 primary election in March.

Brian Milleville released a statement Tuesday that his son Luke was a passenger last week in a life-threatening rollover accident and he suffered extensive and severe injuries that will leave him hospitalized for the immediate future. Due to the extent of Luke’s injuries, his recovery period will take at least 6-8 months.

Milleville says his family and their needs outweigh anything in his life – including running for public office and as a result, he is officially removing himself from the race to seek nomination to the seat currently held by Rep. John Cavaletto. Cavaletto is not seeking reelection.

In his statement, Milleville says he hopes another principled conservative candidate will enter the race to fight the IL GOP establishment, Rauner Republicans and other party insiders who only have their interests at heart instead of the voters’ interests.

Milleville was the only remaining GOP candidate seeking the seat in the 107th. Marion County Board member and local businessman Adam Smith withdrew from the race just days after announcing his candidacy.

No Democratic candidate has announced intent to run for Cavaletto’s seat. All nominating petitions must be submitted by December 4 for candidates seeking to be on the 2018 primary election ballot in March.