Lone Republican Candidate Withdraws From San Jose Mayor's Race

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The field vying to replace termed-out San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed has shrunk, as the lone Republican candidate has dropped out of the race.

San Jose City Councilmember Pete Constant decided on Tuesday to withdraw from consideration in the 2014 mayor's race. He said this just wasn't the time.

"As many people know, my dad passed away about two months ago," Constant said. "And I have some obligations that I didn't expect to have, so I think it's important that I address those. This isn't the end of me though. I've been serving the City of San Jose since 1986, and I plan on continuing my service. I just have to choose what path that is going to be."

In a statement to supporters, Constant said he does not plan to endorse any of the other candidates before the June primary. So far, the list includes, among others, city council members Madison Nguyen, Rose Herrera, Sam Liccardo and Pierluigi Oliverio, as well as Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese.

Mayor Reed said he was not surprised by Constant's announcement, given that he had already fallen behind in fundraising.

"There are a lot of people running, so as you get closer to the race, you tend to pick up some and lose some," Reed said. "So it's not surprising that some people drop out. That's not unusual."

Constant will be termed-out of the San Jose City Council at the end of 2014.