NATCHEZ — With less than a month until Adams County’s sheriff election, police investigator Danny Barber has withdrawn his name from the eight-man race.

“He came in on Monday and asked, ‘What do I need to do to withdraw my name from the candidacy?’” Adams County Circuit Clerk Eddie Walker said.

Walker said he received a formal withdrawal letter that same day.

Barber said his schedule and obligations to the Natchez Police Department made it difficult to campaign to the level county residents deserve.

“Adams County is a big county and you have to spend a lot of time out there talking to folks,” Barber said. “I was unable to take my vacation and compensatory time that I have built up because we have such an overload at the Natchez Police Department.”

Barber said while he was no longer in the running to be Adams County’s next sheriff, he would still be voting and endorsing a candidate in the near future.

“I ask that my supporters and the entire community look closely at, and carefully consider, each candidate’s platform before deciding who will become the next sheriff of Adams County,” Barber said.

Barber’s name will still be on the ballot, since ballots were already printed.

Barber said the performance of the next sheriff would determine whether he runs again.

“Everything is still open,” Barber said. “But if we have a good sheriff that is elected this time, no (I won’t campaign).”