Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck has notified the elections office that he is withdrawing his candidacy for re-election. Monday was the last day he could withdraw. No independent candidate has filed nomination papers.

This means it’s likely Stephen Baratta, the Democratic nominee, will be Northampton County’s next District Attorney.

Houck, a Democrat, lost the Democratic primary to Baratta on May 16. He won the Republican nomination as a result of a write-in campaign but refused to change his party affiliation. As a result, neither party would back him in the general election.

Houck was also hamstrung by a lack of resources needed to wage a competitive campaign.

Houck has yet to pursue other employment opportunities.

Baratta was a Northampton County judge for a quarter century.

Houck has spent over 40 years in law enforcement, both as a police officer and as a prosecutor.