Republican candidate Brett Dood of Ripon has ended his bid for California’s 9th Congressional District after Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln entered the race to challenge Josh Harder.

"From day one, our campaign’s purpose was to 'defend what matters most,' " Dood said in a news release. "Our campaign was never about just winning a congressional seat; it was about transforming our society, uplifting the lives of every citizen, and creating a more prosperous future where our children, values, and nation are protected from a radical far-left agenda."

Dood’s departure — assuming another person doesn’t enter the race — means a run-off will not be needed in November of 2024. That’s because it would leave Harder and Lincoln as the only two candidates on the March 5, 2024 ballot.

"Kevin Lincoln is a man of faith, a former pastor, a United States Marine Corps veteran, a family man, and a leader of a major city.” Dood said. “I believe uniting behind one candidate gives us the best chance to beat Josh Harder. Lincoln can win and will serve Central Valley families with dignity. He has my full endorsement."

Dood is a Ripon pastor.

The 9th District is essentially a San Joaquin County congressional district. The only city not included is Lathrop. In addition the rural area south of Manteca, east of Tracy, and west of Ripon are also not in the district.

Lincoln, 42, is Latino and Black. He was born and raised in Stockton and left to join the Marines in 2001. He later landed an assignment on Marine One, the helicopter that carries the president, during George W. Bush's administration. He returned to California and worked for a private security company in Silicon Valley before returning to Stockton to become a church's executive pastor.

Harder, a 36-year-old venture capitalist, was first elected in 2018, when he defeated a four-term GOP incumbent. Harder resides in Tracy with his wife and daughter.