Robert McCollum, the first to announce his candidacy for Alabama State Auditor, withdrew from the race on Wednesday.

The Dadeville owner of RLM Land Management threw his support to auditor candidate Derek Chen, a Vestavia Hills attorney.

McCollum announced the withdrawal after a conversation with Chen.

He says he will instead run for an open seat on the Tallapoosa County Commission.

The fourth district seat is now held by Democrat Emma Jean Thweatt, who is not running for re-election. McCollum says his intent is to switch the newly re-districted seat to Republican control.

“After careful consideration, I am withdrawing from the State Auditor’s race and will instead direct my time and effort towards winning this long-held Democratic commission seat in the fourth district. I feel that with the new lines, the time is right for a Republican to win here. I want to serve the people of my home county. I am reminded of Coach Bryant’s words, ‘ Mama called,’” McCollum said.

“In doing so, I would like to endorse Derek Chen to be the next Alabama State Auditor. I talked with Derek earlier today and am proud to throw my support behind him.”

McCollum previously ran twice for the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Chen has jumped out to an early lead for State Auditor in fundraising and endorsements.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com