Sen. de la Cruz exits Rhode Island congressional race

Sen. Jessica de la Cruz announced Thursday that she’s ending her campaign for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District seat.

De la Cruz, a Republican, said in a statement that despite the support, she believes her fight is still in the state Senate.

The senator said there were “an equal number of people who asked me to stay in the state Senate and continue supporting important causes,” such as the gas tax and parental rights in education.

The only two Republicans now left in that 2nd district race are former lawmaker Bob Lancia and Cranston Mayor Alan Fung, who de la Cruz endorsed.