The race for California’s 48th Congressional District is moving forward Wednesday without Curtis Morrison, who announced he is ending his campaign to focus on his work as an immigration attorney.
Morrison, a Democrat, told supporters in an email sent around 9 p.m. Tuesday that escalating federal actions require his full attention.
“With the Trump administration’s escalating war on legal immigrants, the communities I serve need my advocacy in courts more than ever,” he wrote. “Thus, I no longer have time to devote to the CA-48 race.
“If you supported my campaign, know that your support was appreciated, and I hope you can understand my decision.”
Morrison withdraws from a crowded race. San Diego City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert, Vista City Councilwoman Corinna Contreras and former Obama staffer Ammar Campa-Najjar are among the Democrats vying to challenge Republican Rep. Darrell Issa.
The newly drawn district includes North County San Diego, portions of western Riverside County and part of Palm Springs. The district holds a 4-point Democratic registration edge. San Diego County makes up 49% of the new district, with western Riverside 44% and the Palm Springs portion just 7%.
The 48th is one of five districts redrawn thanks to the statewide Prop 50 vote to gerrymander the state in response to the Texas legislature taking a similar — but not voted upon — tack.
The unprecedented mid-decade redistricting action was ruled constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in December.
Issa called Prop 50 “the worst gerrymander in history.” He unsuccessfully sued in an effort to block the measure, but said in a statement, “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to represent the people of California — regardless of their party or where they live.”
