Pat Holl Withdraws Bid for Sheriff of Oconee County

Updated: 8:15 p.m.

has decided against a run for the office of Sheriff of Oconee County.

Holl cited personal reasons and said he arrived at the decision over the weekend. 

"I'd like to thank those who were in support of me, those who were backing me," he told Patch Monday.

Holl also said he's decided to endorse for Sheriff.

"Trey and I share a lot of the same beliefs and have the same vision for how we want law enforcement to work in our county," he said.

Downs said he was grateful for Holl's support.

"I was sympathetic to his position that he was withdrawing for personal reasons, and I hate that because that was his dream to run for Sheriff like it was mine," he said.  "So obviously I was sympathetic for him for having to withdraw for those reasons, but at the same time, you know, when he told me he was going to put his full support and backing towards me, I was excited about that...Obviously I think that's going to give us a good shot of momentum going forward."

Downs plans to go head to head against in the July 31 Republican Primary.  Berry is seeking his sixth term in office.  will take place May 23-25.