Chicago alderman drops bid to replace US Rep. Gutierrez

CHICAGO (AP) - The field of Democrats vying for the chance to replace U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez is narrowing.

Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa dropped out of the running Tuesday. That leaves five Democrats, including Gutierrez's endorsed candidate, Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.

Ramirez-Rosa says he also endorses Garcia. The 28-year-old says dropping his bid was a way to avoid splitting progressive voter support and says a unified movement is needed to fight President Donald Trump's policies.

Other Democrats seeking their party's nomination in the largely Democratic and Hispanic Chicago-area district are Aldermen Proco "Joe" Moreno and Raymond Lopez, community activist Sol Flores and police Sgt. Richard Gonzalez.

Three Republicans have also submitted petitions for the March 20 primary.

Gutierrez announced in November that he wouldn't seek re-election after 13 terms in office.