Block drops state Senate re-election bid

SAN DIEGO (CNS) — What was shaping up to be a brutal campaign among Democrats for a state Senate seat in San Diego came to an abrupt end Thursday when incumbent Marty Block announced he will not run for re-election.

Block, whose 39th District includes Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch, made his announcement on the Senate floor, saying he will pursue other opportunities. His statement was confirmed by campaign manager Roberto Alcantar.

The former San Diego State University professor was facing a challenge from Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, who is being termed out of the Legislature’s lower chamber.

Both candidates were building up lists of endorsements.

On Tuesday, Block touted support he had received from numerous Democratic clubs around the his district.

Atkins, meanwhile, said she’d gained backing from the California Nurses Association. On Saturday, she held a news conference to tout the support she was receiving from several women who held elective office.

The district includes most of the city of San Diego north of state Route 94, the cities of Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach, and parts of unincorporated Rancho Santa Fe.