Roberts withdraws from ballot, endorses Johnson for 2nd District Council

Damon Roberts has withdrawn his bid for Philadelphia’s 2nd District Council seat. The official announcement came yesterday, along with the news Roberts will endorse former opponent State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson.

“After spending the past few weeks speaking with supporters, my family and key community leaders  throughout Philadelphia, I have decided that I can best serve Philadelphia at this time as a civic and community leader and not as an elected official,” the announcement from the South Philadelphia Democrat reads.

Roberts was among the candidates vying to replace retiring Councilwoman Anna Verna as she steps down from her district and her role as Council president. He ran unsuccessfully against Verna in the 2007 primary.

His endorsement for Johnson is due in part to the fact that Johnson’s 186th Legislative District includes a portion of the 2nd Councilmanic District.

You can read Roberts’ letter about his decision here.