Chilliwack-North BC United candidate David Moniz has announced he will not be running as a candidate in the upcoming election.
He confirmed his decision on a Facebook page set up for his campaign, Dr. David Moniz - BC United Candidate for Chilliwack North.
"I wanted to give an update on my campaign as there has been a substantial amount of turmoil after BCU decided to suspend the province wide campaign," he wrote.
"I have taken time to consider my options and have discussed this at length with my campaign team and my family. I have, therefore made the hard decision to withdraw my nomination from the Chilliwack-North ballot as I feel that keeping my name on the ballot at this stage will only work to elect another NDP government."
Moniz said he plans to run for office again in the future.
"I am more intent on getting into office to make impactful policy reform to get B.C. back to being the best province to live in Canada," he said. "I will, therefore, work to improve my chances of success and plan to make a run in the next election cycle."
He thanked his supporters and wished the remaining candidates luck.
"I suspect it is going to be a tough fight for all involved and I look forward to seeing a positive outcome," he said.
The two candidates left in the Chilliwack-North riding are Dan Coulter (NDP, incumbent) and Heather Maahs (B.C. Conservatives). Chilliwack North covers an area that stretches from Popkum to east Abbotsford.
Maahs and her Conservative running mate, Á'a:líya Warbus, held an open house over the weekend at their campaign headquarters in Sardis. Warbus is running in the Chilliwack-Cultus Lake riding, against NDP candidate Kelli Paddon (incumbent).
Sue Knott was the BC United candidate for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, but after posting a thank you message to those who supported her, she removed her campaign Facebook page.
As of Sept. 9, both Knott and Moniz were still listed on the BC Elections candidate page for the Oct. 19 election, but the deadline for changes to the ballot is Sept. 28.
