California Dem says he’s not suspending campaign; blames ‘now-former aide’

Democratic House candidate Aditya Pai said Thursday a message to supporters that he’d suspended his campaign was sent in error, and that he will continue his bid to take Rep. Michelle Steel’s (R-Calif.) seat in Orange County, California.

The message said that Pai had a “lack of joy” in campaigning.

“I wrote that letter as an emotional processing exercise after an exhausting glimpse into the political machine,” Pai said in an updated message late Thursday. “I sent it to some mentors and staff for perspective before getting back to work; it was never supposed to be shared. Now that it was, I see a silver lining in your seeing it.”

Pai said that the resignation message was shared by a “now-former aide.” The aide agreed to leave the staff in recent weeks amid a “complete reset” of the campaign, and resigned after mistakenly sending the letter Thursday, Pai said.

The original letter said that Pai wasn’t enjoying campaigning and wouldn’t enjoy work in Congress if elected.

“The feelings expressed in that email are all true. I hope to share even more raw impressions with you soon. However, I will absolutely NOT be suspending my campaign,” he said.

California’s 45th Congressional District is one of only 18 which both voted for a Republican congressperson in 2022 and President Biden in 2020. The district is considered to lean Republican in early 2024 forecasts.

“Despite the emotional weight of candidacy, my call to service – not politics – far outweighs it. In fact, my deep frustration with the lack of nonpartisan service is precisely why I run,” he said.

“In the meantime, rest assured: I am here to run, win, and serve you to the absolute best of my ability come what may and this has only strengthened my resolve to do so,” he added.

Pai will face two major opponents in the Democratic primary in March. Cheyenne Hunt, who is aiming to be the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress, currently leads the field. 

Hunt has raised about $170,000 and Pai about $140,000 as of June 30, according to federal filings. Steel has raised nearly $2.2 million for her reelection.

The Hill has reached out to Pai for additional comment.

— Updated 8: 10 p.m.