Former Idaho State Senator and current gubernatorial candidate Russ Fulcher of Meridian announced Thursday he is withdrawing from the Governor’s race and instead will seek Idaho’s First Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Raul Labrador.
“One of the things I’ve always adhered to is: to serve in leadership. And, if you truly adhere to serving in leadership, that means you need to be willing to serve where there’s the greatest need. And so, in an honest attempt to try to do the right thing all the way around and to be fair to the constituency at the same time -- to try to serve where I’ve most needed, I’ll be stepping back from the Governor’s race and stepping into the Congressional race,” Fulcher told Idaho On Your Side.
Labrador, who recently announced his candidacy for Governor, said he supports Fulcher. “Russ’ background as an international businessman, legislative Senate leader, and champion of small government makes him an excellent candidate for U.S. Congress.”
In a prepared statement, Fulcher added, “Raul and I have worked together for a long time to promote Idaho families and encourage government to act within its proper Constitutional role. We recognize the best way to serve the citizens of Idaho is to work together in complimentary roles.”
Right now, the only other candidate in the First District Congressional race is former Idaho Attorney General Dave Leroy, also a Republican.
Fulcher was to have made the announcement Wednesday, but postponed in until Thursday, in light of the Virginia shooting.
