KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - A Kinston mayoral candidate has just announced he is withdrawing his candidacy and is endorsing another candidate.

Sunday, Tavaris ‘Spunk’ Moore announced his drop from the race, citing health as the reason.

“I entered this race when our city was in distress, eager to be the change we needed,” Moore said in a statement. “However, due to unforeseen health and well-being reasons, I must step down. I am grateful to everyone who joined our journey to create a safe and equitable Kinston for all citizens.”

Moore was one of two men who showed up to run against Don Hardy just over an hour before the noon filing deadline. In the Sunday statement, Tavaris Moore said he would now be endorsing the other man running against Hardy, Kareem Moore.

“We believe Kareem’s vision a

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