One of the seven Republicans challenging freshman Rep. Glenn
Nye
(D-Va.) is dropping out of the race and backing Scott
Rigell, an automotive executive who is a
leading candidate for the 2nd district seat.

Chuck Smith, a lawyer and former Marine,
said in a statement Friday that he was ending his campaign and backing Rigell. whom he said was a “successful entrepreneur” who has “turned around a business, started new businesses, created good jobs, and balanced a budget.”

“Scott Rigell has the strength and conservative grounding to stand up to the runaway agenda now driving Washington,” Smith said. “That is why I am proud to stand with him and support his candidacy for United States Congress.”