Rob Ford is backing out of the race to stay on as Toronto’s mayor and has been replaced on the ticket by his brother and close political advisor Doug Ford.

Rob Ford Drops Out Of Race For Mayor

Ford’s decision to drop out of the mayoral race comes on the heels of the revelation that the abdominal pain he’s been suffering from over the last few months was symptomatic of a tumor. Doug Ford, who has been is brother’s campaign manager, is assuming his position in the race against John Tory, David Soknacki and others.

The mayoral race isn’t the only one getting a shake-up. Doug Ford’s nephew Michael Ford has dropped out of the race to assume the councilor position for Ward 2. Rob Ford, who was the councilor for Ward 2 prior to being elected mayor, is going to take over for him.

Ford, who has found himself splashed across headlines worldwide because of a crack cocaine scandal, is just a few months out of a stint in rehab for substance abuse. Despite myriad pleas from fellow Toronto politicians, Ford had refused to resign from office, maintaining that regardless of his personal failings he has been a more than adequate mayor. Going a step further against the wishes of the City Council, Ford had waged another campaign for the office.

At this point in time, it’s uncertain how impactful the tumor discovered in Ford’s stomach will be on his political career. Doctors have stated that the biopsy results on the tumor will not come in until next week.