ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo—State Sen. Dr. Bob Onder announced Tuesday morning that he is dropping his bid for St. Charles County Executive, just under two months before the Aug. 2 Republican primary. Forced from office due to term limits, Onder was set to challenge incumbent Steve Ehlmann.

In a Facebook announcement, Onder, who was an outspoken member of the Senate’s Conservative Caucus, said the move was in the best interests of his family.

“While I will continue to engage in public policy in order to serve our great county and our great country, after lengthy discussion, reflection and prayer, my wife Allison and I have concluded that it is not in the best interests of our family that I continue the race for St. Charles County Executive. This decision, I believe, is best for my family, and will also allow me to focus on elections deeply important to the future of our state, including the race for my own replacement in Senate District 2.”

Onder has endorsed State Rep. Nick Schroer in the GOP primary for the Senate seat. Schroer is running against fellow St. Charles County State Rep. John Wiemann. Onder has also vowed to oppose the “ranked choice” voting amendment to the state constitution, which is expected to be on the November ballot.

Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to get court orders to have their names removed from the ballot. St. Charles County Election Authority Director Kurt Bahr tells Spectrum News that Onder went to court Monday.

The Missouri Secretary of State's office tells Spectrum News that State Rep. Randy Pietzman has also gained a court order to be removed from the ballot in another State Senate for the 10th district which includes portions of Lincoln and St. Charles County among other areas. Pietzman has not disclosed a reason for leaving the race.