Andrew Blount drops out of governor’s race
Laguna Hills Mayor Andrew Blount pulled out of the governor’s race Tuesday, citing health problems in a message to supporters posted on his Facebook page.
“Over the last six months I’ve been battling some health issues that have taken an unfortunate toll on me. While the long term prognosis is good, I have to concentrate on them in order to be here for my family,” Blount wrote. “Due to this, I’ve been unable to put together the campaign that California deserves and in the event that I was to win the primary, I would be unable to put forth the energy necessary to continue the race.”
Blount, who is best known for his elaborate annual Christmas light display, was a long-shot candidate who had single-digit support in the polls. He eschewed donations, saying, “California is not for sale and neither is this election.”
Attempts to reach Blount on Tuesday afternoon were unsuccessful.
GOP candidates who remain in the race include Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, the front-runner; first-time candidate Neel Kashkari, who has raised the most money but remains unknown to most voters; and Glenn Champ, a registered sex offender who spent more than a decade in prison.
Twitter: @LATSeema
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