Businessman Matthew Doheny will not pursue a northern New York congressional seat on a third-party line and is endorsing Republican candidate Elise Stefanik.
Stefanik defeated Doheny in a bitter Republican primary last month. Doheny's decision not to campaign removes the threat that he would siphon votes from her in the competitive race for New York's 21st Congressional District.
Doheny's name will still appear on the Independence Party line. It can only be removed if he moves out-of state or obtains a judgeship.
A statement emailed by the Stefanik says "I want to thank Matt Doheny for his support. Matt waged a hard fought primary and we respect and appreciate his decision to give Republicans their best opportunity to win back our seat for the North Country.”
Democrat Aaron Woolf and Green Party Candidate Matt Funicello are also seeking the seat held by retiring Democratic Rep. Bill Owens
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden praised Doheny for not challenging Stefanik.
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