Harriet Callier Bows Out of 10th Assembly District Race

(Updated 3:35 p.m. Wednesday with comments from Rep. Sandy Pasch)

Candidate in the race for the 10th Assembly District seat, Harriet Callier, said Tuesday, less than a week from a Democratic primary, she is bowing out and throwing her support to Shorewood resident Millie Coby.

"Given the fact that we all cannot be the top vote getter on August 14, I gladly yield my campaign — and ask that any support that would have been given to me on Election Day be given to Millie Coby as elected representation for the 10th Assembly District," she said in a statement Tuesday.

With Callier's announcement, the field is reduced to three Democrats — Ieshuh Griffin of Milwaukee,  and Millie Coby of Shorewood. They will square off in a Democratic primary Aug. 14, and with no Republican on the ballot, the winner of the primary earns the seat.

The candidates have debated twice thus far, at forums in and .

Callier took the opportunity to take a strong parting shot at Pasch, characterizing her as bordering on a "hate-filled extremist."

“While Coby and I may not agree on a few of the finer details, two things are abundantly clear: (1) our shared passion and commitment to improving the welfare of the 10th District, and (2) the belief that race-baiting and race hate speech — as Pasch has supported throughout this campaign — destroys lives and opportunities of hope," Callier said.

Pasch released a statement Wednesday, saying conservative special interest groups are funding one of her opponents.

“Despite what these extreme groups supporting one of my opponents will baselessly claim before the upcoming election, my record speaks for itself — as Assistant Assembly Democratic Leader and Chair of the Milwaukee Democratic Legislative Caucus, I have put the needs and priorities of Milwaukee ahead of special interests by fighting to create family-sustaining jobs, improve public education, and increase access to affordable healthcare," she said.

"I am committed to continue working to strengthen Milwaukee and bring our communities together — not further divide them through attacks special interest groups and my opponents have made. These baseless and divisive attacks have no place in our community or this campaign.”

Race has quickly become a central issue to the election, , who urged citizens to "vote for someone that looks like you." 

the political makeup of the North Shore has tilted, with Shorewood lumped into the 10th District, a predominantly African-American district blanketing a good portion of Milwaukee’s inner city.

Pasch has also been challenged regarding her status as a resident outside of the district; .