Summit County Executive Russ Pry will not run for re-election in November because of health reasons.
Pry, who has been in office for nine years, officially pulled his name out of the race at the Summit County Board of Elections on Friday.
Pry, 58, who has been hospitalized for several weeks, will focus on his recovery from health issues.
Pry was admitted to Cleveland Clinic Akron General in June to undergo laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer.
He was readmitted the first week in July for a second surgery to repair a tear in his small intestine. He remains in the hospital, according to county officials. A patient condition listing was not publicly available Friday.
He was expected to return to work Aug. 1.
Although it is not known when he will go back to work, Pry is expected to return and serve out his current term, which ends Dec. 31, said Jason Dodson, Pry’s chief of staff.
Dodson, who has been in charge of the county’s day-to-day operations in Pry’s absence, said he still communicates with Pry daily on what’s going on in the office.
“We sent word out to all the employees and met with our senior staff and council members to let them know that Russ has chosen not to run in order to deal with his health,” Dodson said.
Pry has requested privacy while he recuperates.
Meanwhile, the news has left Democrats scrambling to find a new candidate to run against Republican candidate Bill Roemer in November.
Pry has been Summit County executive since July 2007. He was appointed to the position when James McCarthy stepped down to retire.
A replacement candidate will be picked by the Summit County Democratic Party at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 in the North High School Auditorium, 985 Gorge Blvd. The party has 86 days before the election to finalize the ballot.
There are 287 precinct committee members in Summit County. A quorum of more than half (144) is needed for the meeting.
“Our job is to make sure a good Democrat is on the ballot and rally behind that individual,” said Jeff Fusco, the Summit County Democratic chair. He would not speculate on who might be in the running.
But sources say Summit County Council President Ilene Shapiro may be that candidate. Shapiro is serving her third year as county council president and as an at-large county council member.
She did not return phone calls.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers remain focused on Executive Pry’s recovery,” Fusco said. “Everyone has been watchful and concerned and hopeful he continues to get better.”
He commended Pry on his dedication to improving the lives of all Summit County residents and his commitment to public service.
After hearing the news that Pry would not run again, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan offered his support and appreciation. He said Pry has been a mentor, friend and confidant for 15 years.
“This city and this county were lucky to have his strong, steady and capable leadership for as long as we did,” Horrigan said. “We would not be the city we are today without him. While all of us at the city are saddened that he won’t be returning to his post, we fully support his decision to do what’s best for his health and well-being... I wish him all the best in his continuing recovery.”
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and his wife also offered their good wishes.
“Russ has been a fixture of Summit County for years and it’s been an honor to work with him on the issues impacting his community — from combatting blight to tackling the opioid epidemic and infant mortality,” Brown said in a news release. “We should all be grateful for his service to Ohio. Connie [Schultz] and I wish him the best as he focuses on his recovery.”
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
