Republican mayoral candidate Paul Massey abruptly withdrew from the mayoral race this afternoon. Massey issued a statement at noon announcing that “[t]oday I am ending my campaign for Mayor of the City of New York.” Massey participated in a Republican mayoral candidate debate this morning hosted by Crain’s New York without giving any indication that he was considering withdrawing.
After saying that he intends to remain active in New YorkCity civic life Massey said that “the cost of running for office is extraordinary” and that he doesn’t foresee raising sufficient money to fund his campaign. Massey has raised a very substantial amount, over $3 million through mid-May, but he spent over $5 million in that period, funding the deficit with his own money.
I asked with former mayoral candidate Michel Faulkner whether Massey’s withdrawal prompted any consideration of returning to the mayor’s race. Faulkner, who ended his mayoral campaign and switched to running for comptroller in May said no, and that he remains full committed to the comptroller’s race.
Our extensive coverage of Massey’s campaign is available here.
Here’s Massey’s full statement:
New York, NY — June 28, 2017 — “Today I am ending my campaign for Mayor of the City of New York. I am proud of my team and all of my friends who have supported our effort.
“I am proud that I contributed to the debate on issues of importance to New Yorkers including education, housing and homelessness, and that I have provided real solutions for how to better our quality of life in regard to the ongoing transit crisis.
“This journey has been wonderful because of the great New Yorkers I’ve met and all of the things my team and I have learned.
“I love this city. The people I have met over the past year have enriched my life in ways I will never be able to quantify. And for them, I will continue to be a spokesman for the kind of non-partisan results-oriented leadership I have been advocating for all along.
“As I have in the past, I intend to involve myself in community and not-for-profit organizations in New York City, especially in education, which is my passion. New York certainly hasn’t heard the last from me.
“Unfortunately, the cost of running for office is extraordinary, and I do not see a path to raising the necessary funds to beat an incumbent mayor. I am forever indebted to my family, team and my friends for their support.”
Update – Here’s Nicole Malliotakis’ full statement:
“Today’s decision by Paul Massey clears the field in the race for Mayor. I will now be able to focus all my energies on defeating Bill de Blasio in the November election. Whether it’s yesterday’s A train derailment, our failing schools or an out of control homeless crisis, I will take these issues to the Mayor. I will challenge him on how he is running New York City into the ground and slowly returning it to the bad old days of the 1970s and 80s.
“Yesterday, Bill de Blasio refused to take questions about the derailment that injured dozens of New Yorkers; that is unacceptable. He may attempt to run and hide from the press, but, he won’t be able to run from me. This will be a tough race, but, I’m ready for the fight and together with all those New Yorkers who have had it with Bill de Blasio, we will make him a one term Mayor.
“I am sad that Paul Massey has left the race. He is a gentleman and someone who cares a great deal about out city. I wish him well in the future.”
Here’s Bo Dietl’s full statement:
“We are deeply grateful to Paul Massey for the effort he put into the mayoral campaign. He raised important issues, and was genuine in his concern about the terrible direction of this city under de Blasio. We have tremendous respect for him, and we wish him and his family all the best.”