Former Obama staffer Nick Colvin drops out of race for Amash's Congressional seat

Dear friends, For the last 9 months, I've had the tremendous honor of traveling throughout the community that raised me, Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, and had the opportunity to hear about what our community cares about and desires most. They want affordable healthcare and prescription drugs, good paying jobs and dignified retirements, a strong public education system, criminal justice reform, equality, and infrastructure they can depend on. They're not interested in luxuries, but instead the necessities and desires common to us all. Most have grown tired of the divisiveness and incivility that has become our new norm. They want solutions and for our leaders to put aside their egos and to get to work "fixing things." I got into the race to do just that and because I believed that my personal and professional experiences prepared me to do it. I began my life in this district attending a one-room school house, raised by a single mother, without any power or privilege to speak of. My life hasn’t always been easy, but because of the people in this community and the spirit of hard work I learned here, I've also had experiences and opportunities beyond my wildest imagination. I've attended some of the best schools in the world, worked in the U.S. Senate, helped elect the first black President of the United States, and worked in the West Wing on some of the most consequential policies of our time. But there has been no greater privilege than the opportunity to sit down and meet so many fellow Americans in MI-03, to learn what you care about most and how we could work together to achieve those things. However, during this campaign, I've also seen firsthand the unfortunate significance our system continues to place on money. Personal and political wealth is still too often a prerequisite for participation. You have to be able to raise it and sustain it. In a competitive primary such as ours, with a late primary in August, that has been a challenge for us all. Moreover, given the enormous personal wealth of billionaires on the other side of this race and the attention of The White House and national parties, every dollar we raise and spend is absolutely critical. Every moment not spent talking about how our party can help, is one wasted. Ultimately, my desire for my community to receive the representation and support it deserves outweighs my personal ambitions or any belief that I’m the only person capable of providing it. In a time riddled with constant fighting and division, I believe we should all seek to eliminate it wherever present and however we can, whatever that demands of us as individuals. Accordingly, I am suspending my campaign for Congress effective immediately. To my friends, family, and supporters, I’m sorry this doesn’t end as we’d hoped. I can't thank you enough for every bit of encouragement, time, and support. Your confidence in me has meant the world to me and my family. But the fight is bigger than us all, it has to be, and our community and country needs your continued energy and resources now more than ever. We don't have time for despair, disappointment, or division. We have to get to work. Every day counts. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank my biggest supporter—my mom. You’re my hero. The bravery, confidence, and strength you've displayed throughout my life, and instilled in me, allowed me to take this chance which has made me stronger yet. I love you. I leave this campaign more inspired and energized than ever--and for that--I am truly grateful to you all. Let’s keep up the good fight. Nick