Citing family matters, Democrat Dan Cruse today announced that he will end his campaign for the nomination to challenge incumbent R Greg Lavelle in SD 4. Cruse’s withdrawal leaves Laura Sturgeon as the only announced D candidate in the 4th SD.
His statement:
As we’ve walked and talked with residents across the district, our campaign message of inclusion, experience, equity and family has resonated and reverberated. These values are core to my and Bart’s personal and professional lives. As some of you may know, our families have struggled with serious medical issues over the last six months. We just lost Bart’s father simultaneous to my father re-entering the hospital. Both our families have very trying times ahead and we must hold true to our most important core value: family. To that end, we have made the tough decision to no longer seek the democratic nomination for Senate District 4 in order to focus on the health and happiness of our families.
We have accomplished so much in the three months we have been knocking on doors, raising money and sharing our progress on social media. The support from residents, friends, colleagues and total strangers has been amazing. Bart and I are so appreciative of each person’s time, dedication and contribution. It affirms that our district is longing for democratic leadership that truly represents them. It showed us that trust is built from experience working – on the ground – with the community. That powerful affirmation means we cannot abandon what we were to bring to the public, and it means you will see us again to bring that trust and experience forward representing your voices.
Bart and I wish everyone a joyous holiday season and we hope you make time to cherish your loved ones.
Respectfully, Dan
I can only offer my deepest sympathy and best wishes for Dan, Bart and their families. Family always comes first.