Kolb Pulls Out Of New York Governor’s Race

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb is dropping out of the race for New York Governor.

Kolb issued the following statement on Friday:

"It is with a heavy heart that today I am announcing I am ending my campaign for Governor of New York.

As I left my home before dawn this morning, saying goodbye to my incredible wife, I knew that I'd be spending the next week, the week after, and every week for at least the next nine months on the road, away from my loving family. That moment helped put what is truly important in life back into perspective.

The last few months have been an incredible journey, and I am very grateful to so many friends, volunteers, activists, business and community leaders, and donors for their support. It has been humbling to have the support of so many Republican County Chairs and State Committeepeople from all across our state.

I will continue to serve the people of New York as Assembly Leader and look forward to continuing to fight for lower taxes, good jobs for New York families, and an end to the corruption in the Cuomo administration."

Kolb's departure for the race leaves Syracuse-area Senator John DeFranciso and former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra as Republican challengers to Governor Cuomo.

Cuomo is considered a possible 2020 presidential candidate. He is seeking a third term this fall.