Openly Gay Candidate Ends Congressional Run

"This was not an easy decision, but please know that I am so grateful for your help and support over these past few months."

So wrote Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims in a Facebook post announcing the end of his congressional campaign. Sims, who is openly gay, launched his campaign last October, stating that his constituents needed "a progressive Congressman who will stand up for opportunity and justice for everyone, not just those at the top." Sims has now thrown his support behind Rep. Dwight Evans, a colleague in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

"I wanted to personally let you know that today I have decided to end my campaign for U.S. Congress," Sims wrote in his announcement. "When I started this campaign it was because I felt Philadelphians deserved an advocate in Congress - someone who would focus on equality for all Americans, creating more and better jobs, and ending the culture of gun violence in our streets.

"I now feel that my friend and colleague, Dwight Evans, is best equipped to take our fight for justice to Washington, DC and will serve Philadelphia well in Congress," he continued. "This was not an easy decision, but please know that I am so grateful for your help and support over these past few months."

Sims will instead focus on his re-election campaign, asking that his supporters "continue to support my efforts, especially as I work to expand civil rights and fight for justice and equality as a State Representative."