Anderson attorney and former Congressional candidate James Galyean

CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS OVER HEALTH CONCERNS

One of the leading Republican candidates in the race for South Carolina’s third Congressional district has withdrawn because of health concerns.

James Galyean, a 39-year-old attorney from Anderson, sent a letter to supporters on Friday announcing that he had been suffering from chest pain since December and that the bouts were becoming increasingly severe.

“My family has a history of heart related deaths at early ages, so I finally went to the doctor after a couple of very alarming bouts of severe pain earlier this month,” Galyean wrote. “The initial examination and tests were very concerning to my family and I because they indicated possible problems with the proper electrical functioning of my heart. After a more intensive round of tests last week, obstructive heart disease has been ruled out, but the reason for the chest pain, which is continuing, has not been determined.”

Galyean said his doctor had advised him the episode is a “wake up call” and that it spurred him to review his overcommitment to various endeavors.

“I do not want to ignore this advice and end up in a very serious condition in a few years,” he said. “Moreover, as a husband and a father, it would not be responsible for me to not safeguard my family’s future as much as possible.”

So, today, I regrettably announce that I am withdrawing from the race for the 3rd Congressional District.

Galyean thanked his supporters and said he would remain “committed to fighting the radical agenda and irresponsible spending of President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Reid however possible.”

His departure from the race leaves State Sen. Shane Massey, State Reps. Rex Rice and Jeff Duncan, and a trio of outliers as the remaining Republicans in the race. Perennial Democrat Jane Dyer has also announced her candidacy in the heavily Republican district.

The seat came open when Congressman Gresham Barrett decided to run for governor.