Incumbent Madison School Board member Ed Hughes announced Wednesday that he is ending his campaign for re-election to seat seven in order to be with his wife, who is ill.
“Yesterday, we learned that my wife’s cancer has returned,” Hughes said in an email statement. “Ann is doing well now, but the prognosis is not good. My place is with Ann. My job now is helping us savor the time we have together. Thanks for your understanding.”
Hughes was previously set to advance to the general election in April, where he would have vied for the school board seat against attorney Nicki Vander Meulen. In the spring primary, Hughes beat both Vander Meulen and university professor Matt Andrzejewski, who was disqualified.
Hughes has served on Madison School Board for nine years and was formerly board president.
Vander Meulen, who is now the only candidate for seat seven, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.