Kevin Gallagher, the former campaign manager for Congressman-elect Steve Cohen and until now a candidate to succeed Cohen in the state Senate, announced his withdrawal from the District 30 special election race on Tuesday.
Gallagher’s withdrawal, in favor of District 89 state Representative Beverly Marrero, left the Democratic primary a two-person race between Marrero and former city attorney Robert Spence. Though Gallagher will not campaign, his name will remain on the ballot, however.
The winner of the January 25th Democratic primary will be opposed by Republican Larry Parrish in the March general election.
Following is a press release from Gallagher.
Kevin Gallagher Withdraws from Senate Race
Memphis, TN – State Senate candidate Kevin Gallagher announced earlier today
that he is withdrawing as a candidate in the Democratic primary to fill the
State Senate seat vacated by Congressman-Elect Steve Cohen.In a statement made to friends and supporters, Gallagher said he entered the
race to ensure Memphis would continue to be represented in the State Senate
with the same integrity and commitment to service that it had known for the
past 24 years under Cohen, its former Senator.“I was bolstered by the encouragement of Congressman-Elect Cohen and that of
many of his long time supporters,” said Gallagher. “However, with the entry
of State Representative Beverly Marrero in this race, I believe the traditions
of service we have come to expect can best be assured with only one of us in
the (State Senate) race.”Gallagher continued by endorsing Marrero and encouraging others to support
her. “I have a great deal of respect for Representative Marrero and running
against each other would have done a disservice to the people of our district.
I look forward to her victory in the Senate race.”Gallagher did not comment on speculation he would seek Marrero’s vacant
District 89 House seat, in the event of her senate election victory.
