Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Pulls Out of Race, Says 'God Wants Me Somewhere Else'
Toronto's Mayor Tom Ford, who has previously admitted to smoking crack cocaine, has in a surprise move dropped out of the city's mayoral race after announcing he has been diagnosed with a stomach tumor.
Shortly before the Friday deadline to announce his candidacy, Ford dropped out of the race and was promptly replaced by his brother and campaign manager, Doug Ford. Rob Ford said a recent diagnosis of a stomach tumor has forced him to focus on his heath, and he will be competing for a city council seat instead of the position of mayor.
It's not good," Ford told the Toronto Sun of his preliminary diagnosis. "I guess the good Lord wants me somewhere else."
In his official statement renouncing his candidacy, Ford said that he stepped down from the race due to a "serious health challenge."
"I wish you strength and courage on your journey, you are not alone. Hope is a powerful thing. With hope, support and determination I know I will beat this, not just for my family, but for YOU, Toronto. My family and I thank you for your continued support and prayers. God bless," Ford said.
The embattled Toronto mayor previously made international headlines when he admitted to smoking crack cocaine and visiting with prostitutes while holding his political seat. He later entered a months-long drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
The 44-year-old mayor also received criticism earlier this year when he knocked down a female city council member and gave her a fat lip when rushing to help his brother during a raucous city council meeting.
