After announcing her bid for Congress nearly a month ago, Compton, Calif., Mayor Aja Brown says she’s dropping out of the race because of her pregnancy.
Brown, who made history in 2013 as the youngest mayor to serve the city at 31, announced in a Friday, April 6 statement that she will withdraw her candidacy to represent California’s 44th congressional district to focus on her expanding family.
“I am excited and blessed to announce that my husband of fourteen years and I are expecting our first child!” she said on her official campaign website. We are overjoyed at the opportunity to become parents and look forward to starting our family.
“To date, one of my highest honors has been dedicating my time and life to serving my community. However, at this point in my life, my family commitments supersede my ability to expand my level of service. Today, I am announcing that I am withdrawing my candidacy to represent the 44th Congressional District.”
Brown thanked her supporters for backing her since announcing her run on March 8. Reportedly, the 35-year-old initially had no intentions of running for Congress until members of the California Congressional delegation pushed her to. She would have been running against conservative actress Stacey Dash to represent the district that includes Compton, Watts and Lynwood. However, Dash withdrew her candidacy citing her family’s wellbeing and concerns over the political process.
“Moving forward collectively, we will continue to empower, elevate and advance the City of Compton and our greater community,” Brown’s statement said. “The coalitions, partnerships, programs, new investments, and infrastructure development will continue, and there is more to come. This milestone in my personal life has provided me with a greater perspective and deepened my commitment to strengthening our families.”
Online, congratulatory messages have been pouring out for Brown’s impending bundle of joy.
“Congratulations to a beautiful couple,” an Instagram commenter wrote. “Healthy pregnancy and baby. 🎈🍼”
“This is cute 😍😍😍 ,” said another. “Congratulations from Texas 🙏🏾❤🎉🎈🙏🏾.”
“Awwwwwww yasssss! So happy for u both!” someone else said. “Every time you both would ask how my boys are I’d think to myself, ‘They would make some really good parents!’ Congratulations! From Kee and the Mott Bros!”
