Graham drops out of state senate race

Graham didn’t run for a third term as mayor of Braselton in November 2009, and instead announced her plans to run for the state senate seat.

She cited her parents’ ailing health as the reason for her withdraw in the campaign on Monday.

“Since last fall, my brothers and I have been grappling with difficult decisions with respect to our aging parents,” she said in a statement. “Declining health issues have affected them in the past few months, and although they live in an adjoining state, I am the closest child to attend to their needs. Medical information received last week leaves no doubt that my parents need my time, support and assistance now. Family has always come first.”

“I am thankful to all of my campaign supporters who worked tirelessly on my behalf,” she continued in the statement. “I am truly humbled by the support throughout the campaign and wish the best to the remaining candidates.”

“I am a competitor, as many have come to know; however, competing against life-challenging health and aging issues will take my full energies,” Graham added. “That is what my parents deserve.”

Graham, a Republican, was elected mayor of Braselton in 2001, and later served on a number of regional and state boards. In 2009, she was featured on the cover of Georgia Trend magazine.