Kim Weaver, who had announced in March that she would challenge one of the most repugnant members of Congress, Steve King, for the 4th District seat in Iowa, has withdrawn from the race,. Weaver cited death threats that she has received and political retaliation against the state agency where she is employed.
"Beginning during my 2016 campaign, I have received very alarming acts of intimidation, including death threats," Weaver said in the Facebook post. "While some may say enduring threats are just a part of running for office, my personal safety has increasingly become a concern."
She also said that the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman, where she works, has seen its budget cut due to her candidacy.
"I'm feeling guilty that we lost this funding because I'm running for office," Weaver said, adding that she was prepared to take a "voluntary layoff" if the cut requires a staff reduction.
Weaver said she was told by her supervisor of the connection between her candidacy and the budget cut, and that the supervisor, in turn, was told by a state legislator.
Weaver ran against King in 2016 and got 39% of the vote.
Her withdrawal leaves no Democrat in the race (so far) against King.