From Roanoke Mayor David Bowers: I have decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for the 9th District Congressional seat. I will not be a candidate. My sincere thanks goes out to the many, many Virginians in the 9th District who asked and encouraged me to run. Much prayer and deliberation has gone into my decision not to run, but family and financial considerations just do not permit it at this time. Additionally, though no one raised an objection to my not presently living in the 9th District, I just could not in my own heart overcome the thought of representing a district in which I did not live.
(Continue reading for the rest of Bowers’ statement.)
I love the mountains of Virginia but, of course, my main concern has always been focused on Roanoke. This is my home, and “The Star City” remains, in all honesty, my primary interest. I intend to remain in Roanoke, reopen my law practice full time and continue to be involved in the civic life of our city. There are several others interested in running as a Democrat in the “Fighting 9th,” and I want to encourage them to have a spirited campaign and, ultimately, a successful victory.