State Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, has withdrawn from the crowded race for the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by Democrat Brian Baird.
And she will not defend her 17th District seat in the state House of Representatives, saying she is endorsing Democrat Monica Stonier, a schoolteacher. Republican businessman Paul Harris also is running for the position.
There are still four Republicans and four Democrats in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives.
In a press release, Wallace said, “We cannot let the 3rd Congressional seat go to an anti-choice, anti-health care Republican. We must come together and support a Democrat who will keep the people at the heart of their mission to serve.”
Wallace could not be reached Sunday for elaboration.
The press release said Wallace is not yet making an endorsement of another congressional candidate.
The press release also said: “Wallace is focused on finishing the current 60-day legislative session where she is fighting to keep college tuition from increasing and working to promote new job creation. She will continue to serve out her term as state representative from the 17th Legislative District and as chair of the House Higher Education Committee.”
Republicans still in the congressional race are Jaime Hererra, David Castillo, Jon Russell and David Hedrick.
Democrats in the race are Craig Pridemore, Cheryl Crist, Maria Rodriguez-Salazar and Denny Heck.
The top two vote-getters in Washington’s August primary election, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election ballot.
