Chicago aldermen drop out of race to replace Rep Gutierrez

CHICAGO (AP) - Two Chicago aldermen vying for the Democratic nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez have dropped out of the race.

Proco “Joe” Moreno and Raymond Lopez have withdrawn from the March 20 primary, leaving three Democrats in the race. Moreno says he’ll focus on the concerns of constituents in his ward, including affordable housing and public safety.

Lopez issued a Tuesday statement saying he’ll seek re-election next year for his aldermanic seat. Earlier this month, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa dropped out of the congressional race.

The remaining candidates running in the largely Hispanic and Democratic district include Gutierrez’s endorsed candidate, Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, community activist Sol Flores and veteran police officer Richard Gonzalez.

Gutierrez announced last year that he wouldn’t seek re-election after 13 terms in office.