JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — City Council candidate Marcellus Holmes' mother sent a letter to the Supervisor of Elections Office Friday asking that her son be withdrawn from the race due to health concerns.
Before that request could be honored, Holmes’ campaign treasurer contacted Elections Supervisor Mike Hogan Tuesday afternoon asking to rescind the request to withdraw him from the race.
Holmes, who is running against Garrett Dennis in District 9, was not available for comment. Sources tell First Coast News his health condition is serious.
The original request was not immediately reported by the Supervisor of Elections because the request was made on Holmes' behalf by his mother, who was acting with power of attorney. The city’s General Counsel determined — with help from the Secretary of State — that the letter was not sufficient, because while it had a notary stamp, it did not have a notary signature. It was also missing a signature from Holmes himself.
First Coast News is awaiting a statement from Holmes’ campaign. We are told Holmes is currently hospitalized and “in no condition to talk." Hogan confirms he is still in the race.