Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra announced late Tuesday he would suspend his campaign for state Senate District 61 and change his party affiliation.
“After careful thought and consideration, I have decided that I can no longer remain a Republican or continue with my campaign to seek the Republican nomination for Senator in the 61st District,” said Giambra in a letter to friends and supporters.
He explained his reasoning further, saying he refuses to run on a ticket with GOP gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin and “can no longer associate with a party that still worships Donald Trump.”
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Giambra: “The Republican party in its current form is not one that I recognize”
Giambra announced his candidacy for the district that encompasses parts of Erie County, Monroe County and all of Genesee County back in February. He was endorsed by the Erie County Republican Party.
On July 5, Giambra shared the following statement via Twitter:
It is not my nature nor is it my strategy to remain silent. The Republican party in its current form is not one that I recognize or agree with. As an independent thinker who has always pushed against the status quo, it would be hypocritical of me to run on a ticket in November…
— Joel Giambra (@JoelGiambraNY) July 6, 2022
Following Giambra’s announcement, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Campaign Spokeswoman Jen Goodman said, “One week out from his nomination, Lee Zeldin’s own party is already abandoning him and his right-wing agenda. In the months to come, New Yorkers from both parties will continue to reject Zeldin’s dangerous vision to bring more guns to our state, take away abortion rights, and drag New York backward.”
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Giambra departs from race- Rath nomination all but inevitable
Giambra’s departure from the 61st Senate District race means incumbent Senator Edward A. Rath III will likely win the August 23 primary, although Giambra’s name will still appear on the ballot, according to Buffalo News.
The former Erie County Executive went on to thank family, friends and volunteers for supporting his campaign.
I want to thank my family, friends, and the many volunteers who devoted their time and energy to pursuing a campaign for moderation and common sense.
— Joel Giambra (@JoelGiambraNY) July 6, 2022
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