Westmoreland Withdraws From Congressional Race, Bera Now Faces Two Republicans

Brad Westmoreland. | 

February 15, 2018 | 

In an announcement made on social media, Brad Westmoreland has withdrawn from the primary race for California's 7th Congressional District. Westmoreland was challenging fellow Democrat and incumbent Dr. Ami Bera, taking a more progressive stance on a host of issues.

In his announcement posted on Twitter last week, Westmoreland, 30, who resides in Elk Grove, said campaigning for the last several months had been an unforgettable experience. Westmoreland wrote, "But today, after much reflection and with the support of my family, I must bring my campaign to an end."

Westmoreland entered the race last summer and from the start was faced with Bera's superior campaign funding. The most reports filed with the Federal Election Commission show Bera with $345,000 cash on hand and has raised $3.9 million during this current election cycle. 

With Westmoreland's departure, Bera is currently facing two Republican challengers in the June primary. In most recent filings those challengers, Andrew Grant and Dr. Yona Barash, reported war chest of about $113,000 and $40,000 respectively.

Bera has won each of his three consecutive elections by razor narrow margins but is expected a less competitive race in 2018. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report currently classifies the district, which is considered one of the most competitive in the nation, to be leaning Democratic.

The top two finishers in the June primary will advance to the November general election.

Thank you to all the great people I've met over the past several months. pic.twitter.com/GMEuN2RpVe

— Brad Westmoreland (@bradforCA7) February 9, 2018