By Stephanie Nelson

For The Advance

Republican candidate for Escambia County Tax Assessor Sarah McMillan has withdrawn from the race, meaning the party now has just over a month to present a candidate for the November general election.

McMillan, a Brewton resident, announced her decision at the party’s monthly meeting, citing it was “the best decision for her and her family.”

Heath Jackson, county Republican chairman, said no move has been made to find a replacement.

“We haven’t talked to any candidates, and really, we haven’t had a chance to discuss it among the party members,” Jackson said Tuesday. “We plan to do that in July.”

The party’s executive committee must select a candidate by Aug. 20, since under Alabama law, a replacement candidate must be named and certified no later than 76 days before the general election.

If a candidate is named, he or she will face Thad Moore Jr. in November.

Moore won the seat’s Democratic race in the June 3 primary against Atmore resident Malcolm “Bub” Gideons.

If the Republicans do not select a candidate, Moore will be the only name on the November ballot; however, write-ins are allowed in the general election.