Ridley-Thomas Opts Out of Race

Citing the desire to stay involved in local problem-solving, Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas announced Friday that he has decided not to join the field of candidates seeking the congressional seat vacated by the recent death of Julian Dixon.

Ridley-Thomas would have been a strong contender for the 32nd Congressional District seat, but the field of potential candidates was crowded and high profile, including Assemblyman Roderick Wright, state Sen. Kevin Murray, Councilman Nate Holden and former state Sen. Diane Watson.

Ridley-Thomas said the idea of going to Washington, D.C., to tackle national problems was “exciting and intriguing.”

However, the councilman said he has decided to finish the remaining two years he has on the City Council.

“I belong here, in Los Angeles,” Ridley-Thomas said. “I need to continue bringing people together to realize the tangible results of politics, government and public policy.”