Assemblyman Pete Lopez is suspending his bid to replace Congressman Chris Gibson in New York's 19th Congressional District and is now officially seeking re-election in the 102nd Assembly District.
Assemblyman Lopez, who currently represents six out of the 11 counties in the 19th Congressional District, has garnered the unanimous endorsement of the Ulster County Conservative Party and has strong and diverse popularity among Anti-Common Core, Second Amendment advocates and the Latino Community.
Assemblyman Lopez announced that his father was recently diagnosed with cancer.
The eldest of four children, he is the only sibling living in close proximity to his parents, and he and his wife Bridget are their main caregivers. Assemblyman Lopez carries the additional responsibility of serving as a health proxy for his father.
Assemblyman Lopez said that the family has been engaged in consultations regarding treatment options since his father's diagnosis during the Christmas holiday and he had no other choice than to turn away from the demands of the current Congressional race.
This decision will allow him to continue serving the 102nd Assembly District and his constituents while focusing on his family, Assemblyman Lopez said.
"There really is no choice when family is involved," he added.
"The timing of the diagnosis and treatment runs right into the necessary committee candidate selection process. In addition, beginning this week I am required to be in Albany as we initiate the important legislative session and budget process. Balancing all these demands while engaging in a congressional race of this magnitude, is just not possible. These are the months that my family needs me the most."