After much consideration and more than a little hesitation, I have decided to withdraw from the race for Michigan's 2nd Congressional district. On April 18th I had a sleeve gastrectomy performed at North Ottawa Community Hospital, and while I'm thrilled with the progress I've made in improving my well-being, my health issues and recovery have prevented me from putting the needed time and energy into the campaign. I feel I must prioritize my health at this point, and the stresses and tribulations of an intense political campaign do not necessarily align with the lifestyle changes I need to make to ensure continued health and progress.

I'd like to thank everyone who has supported my campaign thus far, and I'd like to apologize to anyone who is disappointed or discouraged. Weight issues have plagued me for most of my life, and the combination of increasing problems with blood sugar and blood pressure brought me to a point where action had to be taken. Luckily for me all of this came at a time when, for the first time in nearly 18 years, I had excellent health insurance. That coverage made my progress possible, and I am well aware that many others have not been as fortunate. We must rise up against the inexcusable injustice that traps so many Americans in poverty and without access to basic medical services, and while I won't be doing so on the campaign trail, I will continue the fight.