Councilman Dave Allan Says He’s Dropping Out of State Assembly Race

Updated at 2:45 p.m. Thursday

Councilman Dave Allan said Thursday afternoon he’s decided not to run for state Assembly, citing “family priorities” including the health of his father in Los Angeles.

In a brief phone chat about 1:15 p.m., Allan said: “It’s just a good time to get out” of the race for the 79th District seat.

In August, Allan surprised the City Council by saying he would step down from city politics at the end of his third term in December 2012.

Nine days ago, he announced at a council meeting that he would enter state politics—running as an independent rather than a Democrat, his current registration status.

Allan has changed his mind before. In November 2009, he dropped out of a planned 2012 race against county Supervisor Dianne Jacob in the 2nd District.

Thursday afternoon, while on a trip to see his dad in Westchester section of Los Angeles, Allan said he had decided in the past couple days not to pursue a seat in the Assembly.

“My family comes first,” he said.

Although he’s filed paperwork expressing his intent to run, he hasn’t rasied any money, he said.

A retired firefighter and Army veteran, Allan said his father has had “numerous” health issues in recent years.

Mayor Art Madrid said Allan had informed him that his father’s condition has taken a turn for the worse.

“First, I think Dave would have been the most experienced and qualified candidate,” Madrid said via email. “I also respect him for placing family before politics. From my past discussions with him, I knew his dad’s health was rather fragile. … I commend him and respect his decision.”

Barry Jantz, a former La Mesa councilman and blogger with San Diego Rostra, told La Mesa Patch: “I respect those who place the well-being of their families above the often personal desire to win in politics. Good for Dave.”

Jantz posted the news and noted: “Announced candidates for the seat include Chula Vista City Councilman Rudy Ramirez, former San Unified Schools Trustee Shirley Weber and activist Sid Voorakkara, all Democrats.”