Matthew Silverstein, one the five candidates running in the District 19 Democratic primary race to defeat the incumbent councilmember, Dan Halloran, announce he is dropping out of the race.
In a statement, Silverstein confirmed he will be ending his campaign for City Council after going through one of the most difficult years of his life last year with his mother passing away in December.
“My Mom was an amazing woman who wanted me to continue fighting for the issues I care about. However, after consulting with my friends and family, I have decided to suspend my campaign,” said Silverstein.
Although he will no longer be running, Silverstein hopes to find a candidate in the race who represents his ideals and could work together with him to put “this city back on the right path.”
Silverstein, who is a Democratic State Committeeman and the director of public affairs for America Works Of New York, Inc., was facing off against former vice president of public affairs for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Empire State Development Austin Shafran, former assemblymember John Duane, community activist and urban planning consultant Paul Graziano and attorney Paul Vallone, who is the son of former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. and brother of Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.
“This campaign might be ending, but I am not going away. I will continue to advocate for the issues that are important to me. I will continue my work as a civic leader, activist, and a Democratic State Committeeman,” Silverstein also said in his statement. “Improving our schools, putting New Yorkers back to work, advocating for our City’s veterans, fighting for tax equity for Co-Op and Condo Owners and preserving our quality of life are the issues that made me want to run for City Council from the very beginning.”
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