CANTON — Two candidates have withdrawn from the race for state House District 21.

Republican Bill Fincher and Independent Eduardo Correia both withdrew Thursday, according to Cherokee County Elections Supervisor Janet Munda.

Fincher, who is an assistant district attorney in Gilmer County, said running for office was not a good financial move for his family.

“I would have to resign from my job immediately to run, then I’d be out looking for a job. And it’s expensive to run for public office,” he said. Fincher added that he was gratified by the reception he received from the community as a candidate.

Correia was found ineligible to run for the seat because he doesn’t live in the district. Munda said he lives just over the line in House District 22.

Four candidates remain in the race: Republicans Scot Turner, Brian Laurens and Kenneth Mimbs, and Democrat Natalie Bergeron.

A special election for the House seat and state Senate District 21 is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Brandon Beach of Alpharetta, a Republican, and Rep. Sean Jerguson (R-Holly Springs) will face off in the Senate race.

Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) resigned the District 21 seat in the state Senate on Dec. 4. Jerguson subsequently resigned re-elected the House seat he was reelected to during the summer to run for the state Senate.

Today is the last day to register to vote in the special election.

Early voting begins Monday at the Cherokee County Elections Office on East Main Street in Canton. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. the following days for early voting: Dec. 17-21, Dec. 27-28, Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-4.