(CNN) North Carolina Republican Mark Harris will not run in the new election for the 9th Congressional District following November's disputed result caused by absentee ballot irregularities, his campaign announced Tuesday. Harris had appeared to win the campaign by about 900 votes before the state Board of Elections decided last week to hold a second election. Harris cited health concerns related to an "extremely serious condition," including a necessary surgery in late March, in his decision not to run. "Given my health situation, the need to regain full strength, and the timing of this surgery the last week of March, I have decided not to file in the new election for Congressional District 9," Harris wrote in a statement. "While few things in my life have brought me more joy than getting to meet and know the people of this incredible part of North Carolina, and while I have been overwhelmed by the honor of their support for me as the Congressman-elect of NC-9, I owe it to Beth, my children and my six grandchildren to make the wisest decision for my health."

Source: CNN February 26, 2019 19:41 UTC