Petal mayor pulls out of race for governor after wife’s cancer diagnosis

PETAL, MS (WDAM) - Petal Mayor Hal Marx announced Thursday he is pulling out of the race for Mississippi governor to support his wife as she fights cancer.

Marx announced his intentions to run in 2019’s gubernatorial election in May 2018. Marx said his plans changed when his wife, Mindy, was diagnosed with cancer just after Thanksgiving.

“While the prognosis is very good for her recovery, we have been going through the process of chemotherapy treatment, we just recently learned that she’s going to have to have more than we originally thought, a little stronger treatment,” Marx told WDAM 7.

“After a lot of prayer and talking it over with my family, I just feel like I’m not able to run a statewide campaign and be the husband I need to be for my wife.”

Marx said while he will not run for governor in 2019, he will not count out another try for statewide office in the future.

“I love serving the people of Petal and I would love the opportunity to serve the people of Mississippi in some capacity down the road, but, you know, God has a plan,” said Marx.

Marx expressed thanks to all of his supporters and asked for prayers for his wife and family.

Marx, a Republican, is currently serving his third term as Mayor of Petal. He was first elected to the post in 2009.

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