Citing health concerns, attorney and former Congressional aide James Galyean (R) withdrew from the race to replace Rep. Gresham Barrett (R) in the 3rd district.

“Beginning in mid-December, I experienced a number of episodes of chest pain, with the severity increasing over the holidays,— Galyean, 39, wrote in a letter to supporters.

“I met with my doctor who advised that, after discussing the myriad demands on my time as a father of three with a full-time legal practice and a Congressional race, I should view this as a ‘wake up call.’ … So, today, I regrettably announce that I am withdrawing from the race for the 3rd Congressional District.—

Galyean’s departure, announced Friday, leaves a half-dozen candidates vying for the Republican nomination. They include state Sen. Shane Massey, state Reps. Rex Rice and Jeff Duncan, businessman Richard Cash, physician Mike Vasovski and attorney Neal Collins.

The district is a Republican stronghold, where the GOP primary is likely to determine who will replace Barrett.

With such a crowded field, though, a June 22 runoff can be expected.