CAIRO — A candidate running in Cairo’s upcoming mayoral election has withdrawn his candidacy.

Daniel Hammond said Tuesday that he spoke with city elections officials to request that his name be removed from the June 9 special election ballot.

“It is with great regret that I must announce that I will not be running for the mayor seat for the City of Cairo,” Hammond said in a statement posted on social media. “Due to the work I do with public agencies like the City of Cairo, my employer felt there would be a conflict of interest if I held that seat. Rather than create a potential problem for myself, my co-workers, or my company, I felt rescinding my candidacy was the best option.”

Hammond thanked those who provided support for his campaign and said he will continue to serve the city in other capacities.

City Clerk Dana Barfield said Hammond’s name will not appear on voters’ ballots.

Hammond’s withdrawal leaves the June election as a two-way contest between retired investment adviser Howard Thrower III and private investigator Emory Thomas.

The winner of the election will fill the unexpired term for former Mayor Booker Gainor, which is set to expire in December 2021.

Gainor had been disqualified from office earlier this year after qualifying to run for a seat in the state legislature.