Candidate Drops Out of Congressional Race

The race to take over for Rep. Jerry Lewis has changed yet again.

Businessman Russ Warner confirmed late Sunday that instead of a run for California's 31st Congressional District seat in the House of Representatives, he will focus his efforts on a run for state assembly.

Warner said that he has decided to challenge assemblyman Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) for the recently redrawn 40th state assembly district. Warner said he also intends to endorse Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, who announced his bid for the seat being vacated by the retiring Lewis.

As of now, Aguilar will face community activist Renea Wickman in June's primary election for the right to represent the Democrats in November's election. Congressman Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar), who announced his candidacy the same day as Aguilar, is expected to be his Republican challenger.

A formal announcement from the Warner campaign is scheduled for Tuesday.

“I think (Aguilar) is a great candidate,” Warner said. “I’ve met with him several times. Got to know him and I respect him in many, many ways. I believe that he is the type of person that, when they go to Washington, that they will be able to make the changes necessary to bring the country back together.”

He called the move as a “win/win situation” for the area constituents.

“I recognize the fact that Pete was the best candidate at this time and that I could win running for state assembly against Mike Morrell,” Warner said.

The two may also face tough competition from Senator Bob Dutton, a Republican who is termed out of the State Senate, but can serve in the Assembly. According to news reports, both Dutton and Morrell are gearing up for a stiff battle for the Republican nomination.

“The possibility of having two Republicans win in June then going on in November, that’s reason why we have to back Pete,” Warner said.

Meanwhile, Wickman said she would continue her campaign for the 31st congressional district.

“It certainly changes the dynamics of the race, but it doesn’t change the competitiveness of it,” Wickman said. “It’s still going to be very contested. It will be about everyone distinguishing themselves.”