Haymarket Town Council member Bob Weir dropped his bid for Prince William County chairman, citing unfinished business within the Town of Haymarket.

There are "too many fires to put out in town," said Weir, specifically citing controversies he claimed existed with the budget, adjusting the town's borders and what to do about the historic yet dilapidated Blue House within town.

When he declared his intention to run in December, Weir said he thought the town was in much better shape than it is presently.

"I'm not convinced of that anymore," he said.

Weir did not turn his declaration of candidacy for the Republican primary, which he said he had signed and notarized, by the June filing deadline. As of July 10, the Virginia Public Access Project website still listed Weir as the lone primary challenger to Stewart. It showed he raised no money for the election.

According to Weir, he said he will vote for Stewart in the general election because "the alternative is much worse in my mind."

The Democratic candidate is Woodbridge eye doctor Babur Lateef, who is making his inaugural run for office in Prince William County. The independent candidate is certified public accountant John Gray of Lake Ridge, who previously ran for both chairman and Occoquan district supervisor.

Weir said Stewart did not contact him about the run since he announced. However, Weir still wanted to send a message to Stewart that "he needs to look at the county and not his aspirations," referring to Stewart weighing a run for U.S. Senate.

"He's got a job to do," said Weir. "So as long as he's elected county chair, he needs to stay focused on his job."

As for running for higher office himself while holding an elected position without completing his term, Weir said, "It would have been a bit hypocritical, wouldn't it? That's one of the reasons I won't do it."