With official filing for state office beginning Wednesday, one prospective candidate has taken his hat back out of the ring.

Okeene resident and newspaper publisher Paul Wayne Laubach said last week that he will not file as an Independent candidate for the Oklahoma House of Representatives District 59 seat, after announcing his candidacy in February.

“On the last day of last month, an agreement was made that will allow my son to attend high school at Okeene next year,” Laubach said in a news release.

“In that agreement, I made certain covenants to my son, to his mother, and to others that would be restrictive from me spending the time and passion required to competitively seek the HD 59 seat.

“I must perform on the covenants I have made and place all my efforts into the responsibilities I have accepted in transitioning my son into Okeene’s public school system.

“I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from many voters since my candidacy announcement in February, and I thank them for their support.”

House District 59 is currently held by Okeene Republican Mike Dobrinski, who has said he will seek re-election.

Filing for federal, state and county offices begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. Candidates for county offices file at the county election board, while judicial, state and federal candidates file at the state election board.