© David Wallace/The Republic Rep. Randy Friese, D-Tucson, raises his hand to speak all through debate of HB 2898, a okay-12 education invoice, all the way through the apartment Appropriations Committee listening to at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on can also 25, 2021. Democrat Randy Friese has unexpectedly ended his congressional bid for a seat within the Tucson area, citing a need to tend to his duties as a doctor amid the surge in COVID-19.
Friese, a member of the state house of Representatives, turned into the main fundraiser among three fellow members of the Legislature who have been vying for their party's nomination to substitute the retiring Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz.
Friese is a trauma surgeon who gained prominence in 2011 when he became among the many crew of doctors who treated then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., after she turned into shot in the head in a massacre close Tucson that killed six and wounded a dozen others.
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"as the Delta variant surges throughout our region, it has develop into an increasing challenge to satisfy my tasks to the sanatorium, my sufferers, and the campaign amidst a run for Congress," Friese pointed out in an announcement. "I've all the time loved drugs and affected person care, and that i've come to the attention that I'm now not ready to provide that up."
State Sen. Kirsten Engel, D-Tucson, who's operating for the Democratic nomination, referred to as Friese a "dedicated public servant and colleague to work with in the state Legislature."
"I'm certain this turned into a tricky resolution to make, but i know he'll continue to serve his community as a doctor, and that i hope him the most effective with his future endeavors," she noted in a tweet.
State Rep. Daniel Hernandez, D-Tucson, who is additionally in the congressional race, didn't instantly publicly reply to Friese's resolution.
Kirkpatrick's announced retirement earlier this year created a rare opening for a congressional seat, and springs as all nine of Arizona's congressional districts are being redrawn, which could enormously alter their political makeup.
The 2nd Congressional District as it is at present drawn has advanced from one of the vital competitive in the nation to a safely Democratic seat.
but there are substantial pockets of conservative balloting areas adjacent to the 2nd District, which may be pulled into a brand new district.
Juan Ciscomani, a senior adviser to Gov. Doug Ducey, is operating for the Republican nomination in the race.
attain the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4493. comply with him on Twitter @ronaldjhansen.
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this article in the beginning seemed on Arizona Republic: Arizona Rep. Randy Friese ends congressional bid, says he can't stop drugs all through COVID-19 pandemic
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