Updated — 1:45 p.m. ET
Local media reports that controversial Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is dropping out of the 2014 mayoral election, and his brother is running in his place.
ROB FORD WITHDRAWING FROM MAYOR'S RACE
DOUG FORD RUNNING FOR MAYOR.
Mayor Ford's spokesman Jeff Silverstein made the announcement at City Hall.
Silverstein is here submitting paperwork. Withdrawing Rob Ford's name from the race and entering Doug.
His brother Doug Ford has filed paperwork to run for mayor, while Rob Ford will run for city council instead. His nephew, Michael Ford, has withdrawn from the Ward 2 councillor race to make this possible. Toronto politics are strange, eh?
RECAP: Mayor Rob Ford drops out of mayoral race; brother Doug Ford officially replaces him as candidate. R Ford runs for councillor Ward 2
Meaning Rob Ford will run in his ward RT @goldsbie: MICHAEL FORD ALSO WITHDRAWING.
Doug Ford is signing his papers. #TOpoli
Rob Ford said in a statement Friday: "My heart is heavy when I tell you that I'm unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your Mayor."
STATEMENT from Rob Ford, part 1:
STATEMENT from Rob Ford, part 2:
The announcement comes after Rob Ford was admitted to a hospital with a tumor in his abdomen. Biopsy results won't be available until next week.
