One of the top candidates in the Republican primary to replace Senator Pat Toomey is out.
Sean Parnell suspended his campaign yesterday following a loss in a child custody case.
It happened in a Butler County family courtroom, when the senior judge ruled that Parnell’s estranged wife Laurie Snell will have full custody of the children.
The case has received national attention, with Parnell strongly denying allegations that he abused his wife and children.
He released a statement Monday evening.
“I strongly disagree with the ruling today and I’m devastated by the decision. I plan on asking the court to reconsider this decision. In the order, two of the leading factors that weighed heavily in the judge’s decision revolved around me being a leading U.S. Senate candidate. There is nothing more important to me than my children, and while I plan to ask the court to reconsider, I can’t continue with a Senate campaign. My focus right now is 100% on my children, and I want them to know I do not have any other priorities and will never stop fighting for them.”
Parnell was a frontrunner for the seat, having earned the endorsement of many top Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and local Congressman Mike Kelly.
