A Republican candidate who won the Democratic primary for the magisterial district judge seat in southern Blair County has withdrawn from the race.

Derek Elensky of East Freedom, an assistant district attorney, announced his decision Monday, which means that Republican Andrew Blattenberger of Martinsburg might be the lone candidate on the fall election ballot to succeed the retiring Magisterial District Judge Craig Ormsby.

Elensky and Blattenberger, both Republicans, cross-filed in the primary so their names were on both Republican and Democratic ballots. While Blattenberger won the Republican nomination over Elensky by a vote of 1,238 to 1,130, Elensky topped the Democratic ballot with 295 votes to Blattenberger’s 232.

Elensky, who announced his interest in the position in early January, said he appreciated the support for his candidacy. But after consulting with family, friends and colleagues, he said he has decided to withdraw.

“I ran for this position setting forth my conservative beliefs in the values of family, religion, Second Amendment protections and protecting the community from criminals,” he said. “It is a difficult decision to withdraw, but in the end I believe it is the right decision to continue to support these conservative ideals and to support the Blair County Republican Party.”

County Democratic Party Chairwoman Gillian Kratzer said Monday that Elensky had not informed her of his plans to withdraw. She said the party will explore its options for a replacement candidate.

Blair County Director of Elections Sarah Seymour said Monday that the Democratic Party has until Aug. 24 to inform the county office of a replacement nominee. Because of Elensky’s withdrawal, his name will not appear on the fall ballot, Seymour said.

Elensky offered no specifics as to any future political pursuits.

“At this time, I am so fortunate to continue to serve Blair County as an assistant district attorney,” he said. “I will continue to strive every day to do my best to protect our community from murderers, rapists, thieves and anyone who harms families and local businesses.”

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.