MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - A Democrat for a South Carolina House seat in Horry County has withdrawn from the race, meaning the Republican candidate could be elected without opposition.

Greg McCollum, Horry County Democratic Party chairman, said it is unfortunate that the health of a family member prompted Patricia Ferguson-Majors to pull out of the District 106 race Wednesday.

Republican candidate Nelson Hardwick could be elected with out opposition.

Ferguson-Majors, an attorney, ran for the same seat two years ago and got 40 percent of the vote. She could not be reached for comment.

"I'm pleased, but I hate it for Mrs. Ferguson-Majors that she has a problem that would cause her to pull out," Hardwick said. He plans to continue to campaign anyway, he said.

McCollum said state regulations control whether the party may replace the candidate. He believes Ferguson-Majors could be replaced but doesn't know by whom.

There might not be time to get a new candidate's name on the ballot, McCollum said. It would also be difficult for a candidate to build a campaign.

"It's asking a lot for somebody to step into a race with eight weeks to go," he said.

---

Information from: The Sun News, http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/