The race for City Council in east Phoenix has become a two-man contest.

Attorney Zofia Rawner announced Friday evening that she suspended her campaign for the District 6 council seat, so progressive voters can coalesce their support behind one candidate in the Aug. 29 election.

The remaining contenders are Councilman Sal DiCiccio, an outspoken conservative, and progressive Kevin Patterson, executive development director with Banner Health.

Democratic activists and labor groups have long sought to unseat incumbent DiCiccio in this summer's city election, but some worried that having both Rawner and Patterson in the race could hamper their efforts.

According to the City Clerk's Office, Rawner officially withdrew from the race on Friday. Her name will not appear on the ballot.

Rawner announced the decision in an email to campaign supporters. She didn't outright endorse Patterson, but said her moved was intended to unify DiCiccio's opposition.

"Right now, there are two progressives in the race," Rawner wrote. "Unfortunately, there are limited resources to support the campaigns and I want to ensure no one feels torn or sits on the sideline for this important election."

Patterson told The Arizona Republic he hadn't spoken to Rawner as of Monday afternoon, but added that her campaign manager indicated they will support him.

"It was very courageous of her to do," he said of Rawner's exit. "When there’s two, there’s the perception that votes might be split."

Rawner's campaign did not respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.

Patterson said the narrowing of the field will help him raise money, draw endorsements and recruit the volunteers needed to give DiCiccio a fight. And defeating DiCiccio, who has served more than 13 years on the council, would be a tough feat.

DiCiccio entered the race with more than $475,000 in his campaign account. Patterson hasn't been required to report his fundraising yet.

District 6, which encompasses Ahwatukee Foothills, Arcadia, Biltmore and other parts of east Phoenix, is home to about 180,000 residents. It is traditionally one of the city's most politically active districts.

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