Democrat Dennis Findley announced Feb. 25 that he was dropping out of the race for the 10th U.S. Congressional District.

In an e-mailed announcement, Findley, an architect from McLean, said a family matter forced him to end his campaign.

“A family matter has arisen that requires my undivided time and attention and thus this is not the right time for me to continue my pursuit of elective office,” he said in the statement. “While obviously disappointing, family always comes first and I have no regrets.”

The Democrat declined to elaborate.

Findley was one of four candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the 10th U.S. Congressional District.

The district stretches across Northern Virginia from McLean in Fairfax, to Loudoun and west to Winchester.

Richard Anthony, Jeff Barnett and Juilan Modica still are in the running, according to Virginia’s 10th Congressional District Democratic Committee’s Web site.

Democrats will hold a primary in June to select the candidate who will go up against Republican incumbent Frank Wolf.

Wolf announced Feb. 19 his intent to run for a 16th term for U.S. Congress.

Mike Turner, chairman of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee, said he was sorry to see Findley leave the race, but still is encouraged by the choice of his party’s candidates this year.

“I’m still real pleased with the field we have out there,” Turner said.

The chairman said he believes Democrats have a good chance of unseating Wolf.

Findley, who was appointed to the Virginia Board of People with Disabilities by former Gov. Tim Kaine, said although he had dropped out of the race, he plans to continue to be involved in the Democratic Party.

He has not ruled out a second run for office in the future.

“People have gotten my message and have encouraged me to run again when the time is right,” Findley said. “The response has been quite positive.”