Chico man drops out of local Assembly race

GRASS VALLEY — A Chico farmer who dubbed himself an “independent Republican” dropped out of the third district Assembly race today citing a close family member struggle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Jack Lee was preparing to battle Nevada County Supervisor Sue Horne and Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue in the June 3 Republican primary. They were seeking to succeed Rick Keene, R-Chico, who, because of term limits, can’t seek another term.

The 3rd District includes Nevada, Lassen, Plumas, Butte, Sierra and Yuba counties.

In an e-mail sent from Lee, he said he deeply regretted withdrawing but helping the family member fight the disease is more important.

“A close family member has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and when a crisis like this happens, we’re forced to re-evaluate all our priorities,” Lee said. “That is why it is my decision (and my family concurs) that I should leave this race and devote my time and energy to fight for the life of our loved one.”

Lee’s announcement didn’t detail who that family member is.

He announced his candidacy late last summer and conceded he wasn’t going to raise significant funds in his campaign. The Chico farmer described himself as someone who was bucking the system.