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Macon-Bibb commissioner drops out of 2020 mayor's race

It's the latest announcement in a very eventful year for Virgil Watkins Jr.

MACON, Ga. — The Macon's Mayor race has one less candidate in it after Macon-Bibb Commissioner Virgil Watkins Jr. announced he is dropping out. 

In a statement posted to his Facebook page on Thursday afternoon, Watkins wrote, "It was a difficult decision; one I hold dear to my heart. I have been a public servant in our community for over 10 years and been a part of several transitional phases of our government."

Watkins is one of a field that at one point swelled to nine hopeful candidates. That number is expected to shrink before they have to shell out $3,000 each to officially qualify next March. 

RELATED: 2020 Macon-Bibb mayor's race: Everyone who's announced they're running

It's been an eventful year for Watkins. He was charged with DUI back in February. 

A few months later, he announced his plans to run to become the city's top executive. He was also the victim of an attempted armed robbery at his home this summer.

He says he will continue to serve and move the community forward. He tells 13WMAZ he does plan to run again for his Macon-Bibb commission seat. 

The Macon-Bibb municipal elections are on May 19, 2020. The qualifying deadline for the commission and mayor's races is March 6.

RELATED: Bibb commissioner charged with DUI after almost running red light

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