Kathy Neal Suspends CA 18th District Assembly Bid – Oakland

Kathy Neal has announced that she is now formerly the candidate for the 18th District California Assembly Seat, which represents a good portion of Oakland, California. Here’s the letter Ms. Neal issued just moments ago:

18th Assembly District race. As the only woman in a field of three known candidates, she
entered the race much later than her opposition yet garnered considerable traction.

“I am proud of the progress we made in such a short period of time and greatly appreciate the
help, partnerships, and backing that emerged from a widely diverse base of support. While I will
not be an active participant in the race at this time, I will continue to be involved in state and
local politics, because I am committed to improving the lives of those in our community,
especially for those among us who are less fortunate or disenfranchised,” Neal said.

Neal, who currently serves as the 16th AD Vice Chair of the Alameda County Democratic Party,
has previously worked beyond the scenes to successfully elect numerous Democrats, many of
whom are women. These include: in Los Angeles, Assemblywoman, now Congressperson
Maxine Waters; former Assembly members Gwen Moore and Marguerite Archie Hudson; former
State Senator and Congresswoman Diane Watson; and in the Bay Area US Senator Barbara
Boxer; former Assembly woman, now Congress woman Barbara Lee; Congresswoman Jackie
Speier; Alameda County Supervisor Nadia Lockyer; City Council member Desley Brooks; and
Peralta Trustee Linda Handy.

“As women, I have always believed that our voices must be heard and I have worked tirelessly
to place strong and effective women in elective office. While I regret that at this time I am unable
to continue my candidacy in the new 18th Assembly District, I look forward to future races where
I can play an integral role in ensuring greater representation of women in office,” Neal
continued.

Neal concluded by stating, “Thank you to all who have committed time, energy and resources to
my campaign. You are truly remarkable people. Going forward, I will assure that your
confidence in me was well placed by continuing the work I have always done for the full,
positive and beneficial inclusion of everyone in all that our society has to offer.”

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Stay tuned for more details and Oakland political news.