Kenyatta Johnson Says Damon Roberts Dropping Out

State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson just confirmed that Damon Roberts, one of his Democratic competitors for the 2nd District City Council seat, will be dropping out of the race.  An announcement from Roberts may come as early as tomorrow morning.

"We did talk briefly," Johnson said. "He did say he would be stepping out. He will be supporting me. He thought him getting behind me would give me a better chance."

Roberts has not responded to calls or emails, seeking comment.

The deadline for a candidate to withdraw from the May 17 primary election was March 23 so Roberts will have to seek an order from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to have his name removed from the ballot.  Johnson said he didn't have detailed discussions with Roberts about that.  "I'm quite sure he's going to do the proper thing and make it official." Johnson said.

The race still includes real estate broker Barbara Capozzi and Southwest Philadelphia community activist Tracey Gordon.

Gordon said Roberts told her this morning that he was dropping out of the race because he lacked the resources to win the election.