Colby Smart. | Photo via campaign website.

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Barely two months after launching his campaign to unseat District 2 Rep. Jared Huffman in the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Colby Smart, deputy superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education, today announced his withdrawal from the race. 

He issued the following message via social media:

Withdrawal from the Race – January 14, 2026

Dear Friends and Supporters,

After deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race for Congress in California’s new District 2.

I am profoundly grateful to every supporter, volunteer, and community member I have had the privilege of engaging with. Traveling and meeting people throughout rural Northern California reminded me why this region matters so deeply to our state and our nation. 

However, the reality of this moment is that I am unable to devote the time and energy necessary to build the momentum this important race deserves. My responsibilities as Deputy Superintendent, combined with my commitment to my family, deserve my full presence. Despite working late evenings, early mornings, and weekends, I cannot continue this campaign in a way that meets the standard of leadership our district deserves. To my donors, your financial support has meant the world to me, and I will be returning all donations.

District 2 needs thoughtful, holistic representation now more than ever. The divisive conditions in our nation, amplified by Proposition 50, have made it clear that people across this district deserve leadership that listens, bridges divides, and represents everyone, regardless of party affiliation. That belief remains at the core of who I am and the work I will continue to do.

I sincerely wish the candidates for District 2 the very best in their campaigns. Our region deserves serious, compassionate leadership, and I hope this race produces exactly that. I am especially hopeful that our District’s current incumbent will use this opportunity to lean into visiting, communicating, and building trust with all people in the redrawn District 2 boundaries especially in Shasta, Siskiyou, and Modoc counties. Representation matters, especially in our fractured political environment. Despite deep political division, I continue to believe that working people have more in common than we realize and I am very optimistic about our collective future.

Thank you again for your trust, your encouragement, and the extraordinary opportunity to serve and learn from the people of rural Northern California. 

With gratitude and respect,

- Colby