A second candidate has bowed out of the Barrie-Innisfil Progressive Conservative race.

Devin Scully announced Tuesday morning that he was withdrawing his candidacy.

"Ensuring a better future for Barrie-Innisfil remains my primary objective. That is why today, after discussing our numbers to date with my team, and my family, I've made the important decision to exit the nomination race. The fact is, that after months of campaigning, the numbers aren't where they need to be to have a realistic shot at securing the nomination," Scully said.

Barrie Councillor Doug Shipley recently withdrew from the race citing personal reasons. Two others remain in the race: Shawn Bubel, former assistant and communications advisor to Patrick Brown and current chief of staff to Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard and butcher shop owner Lawrence Vindum. 

Scully said the one thing he lacked in Barrie-Innisfil was name recognition within the riding and that's why he's pledging his support to Ward 9 Councillor Sergio Morales should he decide to enter the race.

"He brings to the table everything I do: a real vision, a positive energy, years of experience. But he brings something else: experience as a Barrie City Councillor in the riding of Barrie-Innisfil. He's the only one of the remaining candidates that lives in Barrie-Innisfil, and has passed the test of actually winning an election, one people thought he would never win," Scully said.

"We need a winner to take on the Wynne Liberals in Barrie-Innisfil, not a perennial candidate who won't win. I know that Sergio will make a wonderful MPP, and will bring a truly Progressive Conservative vision to the riding. I hope my supporters in the riding will join me in calling on Sergio to enter the race."

Morales is weighing his options and says he'll have a decision within a couple of weeks.

"I appreciate Devin's endorsement. I'm in the process with residents, with family with friends to make sure I'm the right person to step up," said Morales, who was elected to council in 2014.  "I want to make sure I make the right decision."

"It's whatever capacity I can best serve people in. So if that means I'm most effective on council, I'm happy in Ward 9 and I will remain there.  That's the guiding philosophy. How can I be most effective."

Morales also used to work with Patrick Brown and Rod Jackson when he was an MPP.