San Diego City Councilman Mark Kersey announced Monday he is ending his run for the 38th state Senate District seat, citing "family health issues."
The Republican announced his decision this morning via Twitter. He said the unspecified health issues would prevent him from commuting to and from Sacramento on a regular basis.
Kersey said he will also step down from his post as vice president of the League of California Cities.
STATEMENT—Recent family health issues have arisen that will prevent me from commuting to and from Sacramento on a regular basis. As such I will be ending my campaign for the state Senate. (1)
— Mark Kersey (@markkersey) March 5, 2018
Kersey's departure leaves three candidates who have declared their intention to enter the race to succeed Sen. Joel Anderson, R-El Cajon. They are Democrat Jeff Griffith, a board member of the Palomar Health District; former Republican Assemblyman Brian Jones of Santee; and libertarian Antonio Salguero.
Anderson is being termed out next year in the seat that represents suburban San Diego, Santee, Escondido and much of rural East County.