NATCHEZ — Natchez Mayor Butch Brown is officially withdrawing his bid for re-election.

Brown said Wednesday he inquired to the Adams County Election Commission about the process for officially withdrawing his candidacy.

Last month, Brown said he did not plan to run for re-election, but on Tuesday Brown said his name would still be on the ballot and if the election turned out in his favor, he would be compelled to accept another term as mayor.

Brown said Thursday, however, he is officially not a mayoral candidate. He cited health reasons following multiple strokes in late 2015 and a desire to spend time with his family, including a new grandson, as reasons for not seeking re-election.

City Clerk Donnie Holloway said Brown would need to sign a letter that was drafted Thursday saying he does not intend to continue his candidacy.

Brown’s name would not appear on the ballot for the upcoming election, Holloway said.

Ward 4 Alderman Tony Fields, former county supervisor Darryl Grennell and former city IT director Eric Junkin are squaring off for the mayor’s seat.

The partisan primaries will be May 10. Runoffs, if needed, are scheduled for May 24. General election is June 7.