Christian Hansen, a candidate in Madison’s District 8 aldermanic race against incumbent Ald. Scott Resnick, announced he is dropping out of the race on Monday night, citing financial challenges.
Hansen said he is leaving the race due to personal financial difficulties and said he could no longer balance his duties as a member of the Phoenix House cooperative with his candidacy for alderman.
He said he has worked with great people throughout his campaign and appreciates their support. Hansen also said he will continue to be an active member of Madison’s community.
“As long as we’re all doing something to pick up the pieces from what’s happened on the state level and national level – we need to do that together,” Hansen said. “As long as each of us gives something – time or funding, then no one among us needs to give everything.”
Hansen said he will continue to work as a board member for the Madison Community Cooperative. He said he has also already talked to members of the Occupy Madison movement to work on ways to get permanent housing for people who do not have a place to stay.
The District 8 aldermanic election began with controversy when Hansen challenged Resnick’s nomination based on Hansen’s claim the dates on signatures Resnick collected were unclear. Candidates are required to collect signatures from their district in order to declare their candidacy.
The City Clerk rejected the challenge.
Resnick said it is never exciting to see someone drop out of a race because of the amount of time and energy each candidate puts into the campaign. However, he said being the only candidate will allow him to focus on issues in the city.
“I plan to continue to talk about pieces I’ve been campaigning on: improving campus safety, working on housing issues and making a vibrant night life in Madison,” Resnick said.
Resnick said he wishes his opponent well and hopes he stays involved in the community.
Hansen said he will continue to advocate for innovation through local organizations.
“There are plenty of avenues for pursuing my goals, goals that are shared by the community,” Hansen said.
