The Democratic candidate pool for the Office of Washington’s U.S. Representative for the Third District narrowed substantially this week. The Third Congressional District represents The Evergreen State College.

In a press release from the National Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, current Washington State Senator Craig Pridemore (D-Vancouver) cites the long state legislative session as an impediment to fundraising, setting him too far behind.

Three Democratic candidates are still in the running for this congressional seat. They include Denny Heck, Cheryl Crist,  and Maria Rodriguez-Salazar. In addition, four Republican candidates also remain active in the race for this seat. They include David Castillo, David Hendrick, Jaime Herrera, and Jon Russell.

Senator Pridemore issued the following statement with regard to his decision to drop out of the race for the Third Congressional District.

“I want to first of all thank all of the individuals and organizations who supported my campaign. I am so grateful to have earned your trust, and look forward to continued service in the State Senate. I am especially humbled by the endorsements of organizations and friends who have rallied in recent weeks, knowing that we left the session with a steep hill to climb. Thank you.

I regret the need to exit this race, but it is clear to me that the long session placed our campaign at a clear disadvantage. While I wish I had been able to focus on my campaign earlier, I am proud that my focus this winter was where it needed to be: addressing the real issues facing the working families and small businesses of Southwest Washington. I entered politics to excel at public service, not the other way around.

I also want to congratulate and offer my immediate and full endorsement to Denny Heck, who is now in the best position–and is the best candidate–to win the seat in November. Denny is a bright, hard working and authentic SW Washington leader and we need his broad experience working for us in Congress. I encourage my supporters to help him and Senator Patty Murray in their elections this November.”