Chris Taylor, one of the Republicans looking to challenge Democratic Rep. Tom O'Halleran in Arizona's 1st Congressional District this November, announced Monday that he will be suspending his campaign because of a recent drug overdose.
"Today, I have suspended my campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives and am seeking treatment for substance abuse disorder," Taylor said in a statement. "I will fully cooperate with local authorities on any matters arising from my recent relapse and overdose."
Taylor, a father of two and city councilman who served two tours in Afghanistan, said that he had struggled with an opioid addiction in the past, and recently relapsed after "many solid years in sobriety." According to his campaign website, Taylor founded Desert Eagle Addiction Recovery and for five years had led the nonprofit in its mission to help combat vets and others suffering from drug addictions.
"I have to figure out where I went wrong," Taylor said. "The only thing I can do is face this head on in complete humility and put one foot in front of the other so that I can get the help needed to be the father and husband that my family deserves."
