Rep. Jim Avery, R-Crestwood, withdrew today from his race for re-election to the 95th District House seat.

“I need a break from elected office,” Avery said in an interview. Between serving in the House and in the National Guard, “I haven’t been home much.”

Avery was first elected in 2002, so could have served one more term before being forced out by term limits.

His departure leaves Republican Mike Leara alone in the race, unless someone else surfaces within the next hour. Filing closes at 5 p.m.

UPDATE: Democrats plan to find a candidate to field in the race, said Rep. Rachel Storch of St. Louis, the chief recruiter for House Democrats. By law, filing remains open until Friday since Avery dropped out so close to the deadline, she said.