Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln’s path to challenging Rep. Josh Harder (D–Tracy) became a little more clear on Friday.
The big picture: Republican candidate Brett Dood announced Friday that he is withdrawing from the race for the 9th Congressional District.
- Dood, a pastor from Ripon, launched his campaign in May and was the first Republican to enter the race.
- Yet Lincoln entered the race this week with the backing of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R–Bakersfield).
What they’re saying: Dood said in a statement that his short-lived campaign was never about just winning a seat in Congress, rather it was focused on defending against a “radical far-left agenda.”
- “Kevin Lincoln is a man of faith, a former pastor, a United States Marine Corps veteran, a family man, and a leader of a major city,” Dood said. “I believe uniting behind one candidate gives us the best chance to beat Josh Harder. Lincoln can win and will serve Central Valley families with dignity. He has my full endorsement.”
