After losing to incumbent U.S. Representative Gary Palmer, R-Alabama, in Tuesday’s special primary election for Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, Republican challenger Case Dixon issued a statement conceding the race.

“The district has spoken, and it appears voters believe Congressman Palmer has done a well enough job in Washington to send him back for at least two more years,” Dixon said. “While Congressman Palmer and I certainly have our disagreements, I respect the decision of the voters.”

Dixon said he hopes his campaign alerted voters to specific policy concerns—namely the growth of the national debt—and that Palmer may take steps to address those concerns if reelected in November.

“My hope is that this campaign gave voters a real choice and that it might cause Congressman Palmer to think twice the next time he is asked to increase federal spending or raise the debt ceiling,” Dixon said.

Although his campaign has ended, Dixon said he remains committed to the values that motivated him to run for Congress.

“I ran because I want my children and my children’s children to inherit a country that is freer and more prosperous than the one we have today,” Dixon said. “I may not have the opportunity to fight for that future in Congress at this time, but I will continue fighting for it wherever I can.”

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who voted, volunteered, donated, prayed, or supported us along the way,” he added. “This campaign may be over, but my commitment to limited government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, and Christian values is not.”

In an additional statement provided to APR, Dixon said that although he does not have any “immediate plans” to campaign for another public office, he remains open to the possibility of running again in the future.

“For now, I’m going to enjoy some time with my wife and kids, get some rest, and see where the Lord leads me next,” Dixon said.

“I do believe there is still a real need for the principles and ideas I ran on within the Republican Party, and I intend to keep fighting for them,” he added. “If in the future I feel called to seek office again, whether at the local level or for Congress, I would certainly be open to it.”

Voters in the 6th Congressional District will now decide between Palmer and Democratic nominee Maurice Mercer in the November general election.