Matt Toporowski says his campaign for Albany County District Attorney is over. In a tweet and separate statement Tuesday evening, Toporowski conceded the race and said he is proud of the issues he raised as he looked to unseat four-term DA David Soares in June’s Democratic primary.
“While this particular campaign may be over, the movement behind it has an important future ahead," Toporowski said in an emailed statement. "Our campaign’s goal was always to combat structural racism in the justice system - by ending the District Attorney’s over-prosecute and over-punish approach, getting cases out of the criminal system that are the result of mental health and/or substance abuse issues, and transfering power to the community. I spent the last six months talking with so many residents of Albany County and I know that many of them share a vision for a more fair justice system. We may not have gotten the votes this time, but the country-wide momentum calling for change will continue."
Absentee ballots are still being counted, but Soares has maintained a lead since the June 23rd primary.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the Working Families Party endorsed Toporowski.
The Albany County Democratic Committee endorsed Soares, along with Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.
While Toporowski will appear on the Working Families Party line in November, he told WAMC Tuesday he does not intend to campaign further.
