Attorney Preston Brittain, vying for the Democratic nod in the Palmetto State’s new 7th district, caught a huge break last week when the frontrunner, state Rep. Ted Vick, landed in jail.

Vick was arrested Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence and possessing an illegal firearm, according to local media reports. Also in his vehicle: a 21-year-old woman who was not his wife.

Vick, who had been the party establishment favorite, dropped his Congressional bid Friday.

“While I have full confidence that the legal system will clear much of this up, it will not change the fact that I made some serious mistakes that I alone am responsible for,” Vick said in a statement. “I realize that I have caused pain to those who love and support me and it’s my responsibility to make this right.”

The Democratic establishment rallied around Brittain on Monday. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), former Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.) and other political figures endorsed him.

As the now-likely Democratic nominee, he’ll face an uphill climb in the GOP-leaning, Myrtle Beach-based district.

The crowded GOP field includes attorney Jay Jordan, Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice, former Lt. Gov. André Bauer and Chad Prosser, former director of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

One person no longer running for the GOP nomination: former state Rep. Thad Viers, the frontrunner who ended his bid after landing in jail earlier this year on charges of harassment.