Patrick MacFarland, a San Diego State University student who was in the running to unseat longtime San Diego Unified school board member John de Beck, is withdrawing from the race.
His announcement explains:
Being a public servant has been a dream of mine, but now is not the time. My love for politics will never change, but the way I want to achieve greatness and make a difference in other people’s lives is via the classroom. By becoming a teacher I will directly influence many lives and ultimately, change the world for the better. I may want to revisit politics at a later date when I am capable of meeting the rigorous expectations that come as a candidate and public official.
MacFarland’s exit means that the field has narrowed to de Beck, political consultant Scott Barnett and school psychologist Michelle Crisci. Barnett got the endorsement of the teachers union last week.
— EMILY ALPERT