Councilmember Leroy Comrie has dropped his bid for borough president, his campaign announced on Saturday.
“After careful consideration, my family and I believe, due to personal matters, this is the best course of action,” he said in a statement. “I remain steadfast in my faith and belief in government and it is a true honor to continue to serve the people of southeast Queens in my capacity as councilmember.”
Comrie, who trailed rivals in fundraising, represents the 27th District, which covers St. Albans, Hollis, Cambria Heights, Jamaica, parts of Queens Village, Rosedale and Springfield Gardens.
He was first elected in 2002. His final term ends this year.
Comrie is the deputy majority leader, head of the council’s Queens delegation and chair of the Land Use Committee.
He was locked in a Democratic primary with Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., State Senator Tony Avella, former legislator Melinda Katz and businessman Everly Brown. Republican candidate Tony Arcabascio is also running.
After the Queens County Democratic Party endorsed Katz, there were rumors of a Comrie exit in late May.
It was the second major snub after Katz landed the backing of several leaders in Comrie’s district, including the Reverend Floyd Flake, who is the senior pastor of the 23,000-member Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in Jamaica.
“Queens is one of the greatest boroughs in our city,” Comrie said, “and I am thankful to everyone for the opportunity to showcase my platform for inclusion and empowerment and express my passion for the borough that was afforded me in this race.”
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