Rodriguez Withdraws from Assembly Race, Throws Support to Cooper

May 23, 2014 |

The primary race for California's Ninth Assembly district has one less candidate with today's announcement from Diane Rodriguez that she will withdraw and throw her support to Elk Grove Vice Mayor Jim Cooper. 

Diana Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was one of three Democratic candidates, along with Cooper and Sacramento City Council Member Darrell Fong, and two Republicans are seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Dr.Richard Pan. Although four candidates remain, political handicappers forecast Cooper and Fong as the likely top two finishers who will then advance to the November general election.

Rodriguez, a trustee on the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) board, was never able to match the organization or fundraising prowess of Cooper and Fong.  As a member of the SCUSD, Rodriguez pointed to her and Cooper's mutual commitment to improving education for her support.

"I have gotten to know Jim over the course of this campaign," Rodriguez said.  "He brings significantly more experience to the job than his remaining opponents and is committed to working on the issues that affect children and their families."

Cooper said he was honored and humbled to receive the endorsement and noted he and Rodriguez share many of the same legislative priorities. He also noted the difficulty of Rodriguez' withdrawal and said he has great respect for her.  

"We both share our passion for youth," Cooper said. "With her support, residents of the Ninth Assembly District will be properly represented."