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So Who's Running For Xavier Becerra's Seat In Congress Now?
Congressman Xavier Becerra, who Governor Jerry Brown tapped to be the next attorney general for California. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Former State Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez has withdrawn from the race to replace Xavier Becerra in the U.S. House of Representatives. Becerra was tapped by Governor Jerry Brown last week to be California's Attorney General, with Kamala Harris elected to the Senate last month.Pérez announced his intention to run for Becerra's seat the same day Brown appointed Becerra to attorney general, but on Saturday morning announced that he would no longer be running, citing an unspecified health reason.
"In the last 48 hours, I have spoken to doctors who have helped me determine the best course going forward," Pérez said in a statement. "As a result, I am immediately turning my focus to that, which prevents me from giving my campaign and the community the time and attention that are necessary to run a campaign our community can be proud of." Pérez is currently a UC Regent.
So far the only two people who have announced their intentions to run for Becerra's seat are assemblyman Jimmy Gomez (D-Echo Park) and Boyle Heights activist and journalist Wendy Carrillo.
Councilmembers Jose Huizar and Gil Cedillo had previously expressed interest in running for the seat, but have since decided not to. Councilmember David Ryu is still mulling it over.
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