School board member Mark Meyer (R) has dropped out of the 1st district race, according to local news reports. He is throwing his support behind state Rep. Randy Demmer, one of three candidates left in the race for the GOP nomination.

State Sen. Dick Day and oncologist Brian Davis are also running for the Republican nomination; the winner will face freshman Rep. Tim Walz (D).

Though the race for the GOP nod appears to be relatively open, Day and Demmer are considered by many local activists to be the frontrunners. However, Davis has the potential to fund his campaign.

Meyer was considered a long shot in the Republican race. Demmer’s campaign released a statement on Meyer’s endorsement.

“I believe [Meyer] understands the representation we need in Washington and I appreciate the trust and confidence he has in me to be the right fit for this district,” Demmer said.

— Shira Toeplitz