Tim Donnelly Says He Won’t Run for State Senate

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate and outgoing California State Assemblyman Tim Donnelly announced in his personal blog this week that he will not be seeking election for U.S. Rep.-elect Steve Knight’s soon-to-be vacated seat in California’s 21st Senate District. The special Senate election for Knight’s seat will be called after he formally resigns to take his oath for Congress, which he was elected to this past November.

Donnelly, a Breitbart News contributor, has made his mark as an opponent of amnesty for illegal aliens and a supporter of Second Amendment rights.

For now, Donnelly has opted to stay true to his personal “Patriot, not Politician” maxim and enjoy quality time with his family and loved ones:

After a great deal of soul-searching, prayer and conversation with family, friends and potential constituents, I have decided that I will not seek election to the 21st State Senate seat which will be vacated by Steve Knight early next year. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the people of the 33rd District in the Assembly. I look forward to spending more time with my family while my boys are still living at home, and am excited about future opportunities to serve–political and otherwise that lie ahead. Thank you for all of your support and well-wishes you’ve sent me since leaving office.

Donnelly has not ruled out the possibility of a political run again in the near future. Former Republican California State Senator Sharon Runner could be pursuing Knight’s seat; an announcement as to whether or not she will run in the special election is expected in the coming weeks. Other potential contenders include Star Moffatt, who is a lawyer in Lancaster, and Mayor R. Rex Paris who is the mayor of Lancaster.

Knight has two years remaining in the seat that he is vacating in order to take office in January of 2015 as member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 25th Congressional district. He defeated former State Sen. Tony Strickland in an all-GOP race in November.

Follow Adelle Nazarian on Twitter @AdelleNaz