Democrat Ellen Simon announced that she is withdrawing from the race for Arizona’s First Congressional District, a seat now occupied by Republican Rick Renzi.

“Over the past two years, as I’ve traveled throughout the district, I’ve been privileged to meet so many residents that inspired me to try my best to faithfully represent them in Congress. However, for personal reasons, I feel that at this particular moment in my life, I can’t devote the full attention and focused energy that a successful congressional campaign would require,” she said in a statement released today.

“Although I won’t be on the ballot in the next election, I feel confident that the Democratic Party in Arizona is stronger than ever and that there are a number of exciting, well-qualified leaders that would make terrific representatives,” she said.

Ms. Simon is a civil rights attorney who lives in Sedona.

District 1 includes central and northeast Arizona, and the Apache and Navajo reservations.

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