Ray Ellis, Democrat Barbara Bry’s opponent in the San Diego City Council District 1 race, has dropped out.
According to a KPBS report Ellis cited what he expects to be a divisive presidential race as a reason for dropping out.
“As we look to November, I believe the toxicity and the divisiveness at the top of ticket will get worse. My values are important to me and I will not support presidential candidate Donald Trump,” Ellis said in a statement.
He said he did not believe there was a way for him to beat Bry in November. “Without a viable path, I cannot in good faith ask supporters to finance another effort,” Ellis said.
In the June Primary Election, Barbara Bry captured over 48 percent of the vote and was the prohibitive favorite to win the seat this November. Her win effectively ensures Democrats their city council majority.
Ellis’ name will still appear on the ballot, so Democrats will continue to campaign for Bry.
“We want to use the next 90 days to learn more about the community, to communicate more with the residents of District 1 and hopefully have a positive outcome on Election Day,” she said.
