WASHINGTON —Iowa native and California congressman Eric Swalwell on Monday became the first candidate in the crowded 2020 Democratic presidential primary to exit the campaign, saying he would run for reelection to his California congressional seat next year.

Swalwell, 38, announced his exit in his home district, describing his decision as “the beginning of an opportunity in Congress with a new perspective” influenced by his 3-month-long presidential bid. “Today ends our presidential campaign, but it is the beginning of an opportunity in congress with a new perspective.”

He says he is planning to return to Washington with renewed enthusiasm for his committee work – which includes Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s testimony next week. “The polls have had their way, so here we are in July. I’m excited as I said to continue this work. I’m going to leave here I’m going to an immigration roundtable to address the border crisis which affects our district with so many migrants and their families coming here. So yes I’m excited.”

Swalwell lived in Iowa until the age of five. His father worked in law enforcement in Sac City before moving to Algona to serve as the community’s police chief for three years from 1984 to 1986.