State Rep. Deb Wallace announced Sunday afternoon that she will no longer stay in the race to replace Congressman Brian Baird’s soon-to-be vacant seat.
“We cannot let the 3rd Congressional Seat go to an anti-choice, anti-health care Republican,” Wallace said in a news release. “We must come together and support a Democrat who will keep the people at the heart of their mission to serve.”
Wallace said she would not yet endorse one of the four remaining Democrat candidates, but said that the 3rd District needs a “true moderate Democrat.”
Former state Rep. Denny Heck, state Sen. Craig Pridemore, peace activist Cheryl Crist and Vancouver resident Maria Rodriguez-Salazar are the remaining Democratic candidates.
Running as Republicans are David Castillo, state Rep. Jaime Herrera, ex-Marine David William Hedrick of Camas and Washougal city councilman Jon Russell.
Wallace announced her decision in this press release:
Deb Wallace Bows out of Congressional Race
Vancouver, WA – Citing the need for Democrats to come together around one strong candidate, Rep. Deb Wallace, candidate for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District, announced yesterday she would no longer continue her bid for Congress.
“We cannot let the 3rd Congressional Seat go to an anti-choice, anti-health care Republican,” Said Wallace. “We must come together and support a Democrat who will keep the people at the heart of their mission to serve.”
Although Wallace is not making an endorsement for another candidate at this time she believes we need to elect a true moderate Democrat who has the wherewithal to win this election.
Wallace is focused on finishing the current 60 day legislative session where she is fighting to keep college tuition from increasing and working to promote new job creation. She will continue to serve out her term as State Representative from the 17th Legislative District and as Chair of the House Higher Education Committee.
