The race to represent California’s 36th District in the U.S. House of Representatives just became much less confusing: Republican challenger Raul Ruiz announced Wednesday he was dropping his challenge against Raul Ruiz, the incumbent Democratic congressman with the same name.
“It is with sincere heartfelt sentiment that I announce my inability to continue moving forward in our campaign,” Ruiz, a carpenter from Perris, wrote on Facebook. “I appreciate the assistance, the confidence that was shared by you all, and also the confidence of our Party to have considered me as a viable candidate.”
The 57-year-old Republican said he had to withdraw after suffering two heart attacks in the past month and recently losing his brother, David Ruiz.