Former Long Beach councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga said Monday she will be withdrawing her candidacy for the 70th State Assembly District in order to care for her sick father. 

Reyes Uranga told the Press-Telegram that the decision to pull out of the race was tough, but that caring for her father is something to which “you have to devote 110 percent of your time.” She also said that she will be looking for other political opportunities in the future, such as the Long Beach City College Trustee Board, on which her husband, Roberto Uranga, currently serves.

Still campaigning for the 70th District are two Long Beach City Council members–Patrick O’Donnell and Suja Lowenthal–one Signal Hill City Council member–Ed Wilson–community college professor Peter Mathews and political newcomer John Goya. It is unclear who Reyes Uranga will endorse, however, she told the Press-Telegram she is currently interviewing the other candidates.

The 70th District–which includes portions of Long Beach, Signal Hill, San Pedro and Catalina Island–will be up for grabs in next year’s election when current assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal terms out. Lowenthal is one of nine people runnign for mayor of Long Beach. 

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