San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye has decided against running for San Diego County supervisor this year.
Frye, a well-known Democrat who has served on the council since 2001, was widely seen as the best challenger for 16-year incumbent Republican Ron Roberts in this June’s District 4 election. She said in an e-mailed statement:
After thoughtful consideration over many months, I have decided not to run for County Supervisor. The public deserves that my full attention be focused on the city of San Diego. I have not yet made plans for the future, however, be assured I will continue working on behalf of the public in whatever capacity that ultimately turns out to be. I am humbled and appreciative of all the support and am hopeful that those who have encouraged me to run will be equally understanding of my decision.
CityBeat broke the news earlier this morning.
She declined to discuss her reasons for not running with CityBeat. And she did with me, too. Asked whether she had a specific reason for not running, she said, “It’s in my statement.”
For months, Frye has kept local politics watchers on edge with speculation on her decision. Roberts’ district is majority Democratic and he was seen as vulnerable. Or at least as vulnerable as a 16-year incumbent could be. Now Roberts has no declared challenger in the race.
With fellow supervisor Bill Horn’s big financial lead over his opponents, any substantial challenges to the supervisors’ long reign appear not to be materializing.
— LIAM DILLON