Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, announced Monday he's dropping his long-shot bid for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Barbara Boxer.
Chavez, a former Oceanside councilman, made the announcement during a debate between the Republican candidates for the seat hosted by radio station KOGO-AM.
"As I've been going through the state, (I've been) seeing that it's really not a red state or a blue state. It's a pragmatic state, and we need to have leaders who will step forward and discuss the real issues," he said.
"Hopefully we'll have that in the state of California. I've given this a lot of thought and prayer with my wife and family, and I think the best role I can fill for the Republican Party in moving the agenda forward is to run for my Assembly seat."
Chavez said he would focus on his Assembly re-election in the 76th District, then he walked off the debate stage.
Two Republicans — Oceanside City Councilman Jerry Kern and businessman Phil Graham — are already seeking Chavez's Assembly seat.
In the race to succeed Boxer in the U.S. Senate, Chavez was far behind the front-running Democrat, state Attorney General Kamala Harris, in polls and fundraising. Another Democrat, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove, is second in polling.
Chavez took in just over $100,000 in fundraising and has $43,000 in debts.
His departure leaves two prominent Republicans in the race, Duf Sundheim and Tom Del Beccaro, both former chairmen of the California Republican Party.
In California's primary in June, the two candidates who get the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November election. This year, that could mean the two Democrats, Harris and Sanchez, will compete for Boxer's seat.
In an email to KPBS, Chavez thanked his family and friends for their support during his 10-month campaign for the U.S. Senate.
He also said, "I will continue to champion our veterans, solutions to our state's drought, long-term energy solutions, and making sure our children and grandchildren have access to a world class education system from preschool to college."
