Politics & Government
Vito Lopez Challenger Richy Garcia Revives Campaign
The 26-year-old Republican says longtime assemblyman censured for sexual harassment claims doesn't deserve seat.
Richy Garcia announced Thursday that he will revive his campaign against Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez – who is currently embroiled in sexual harassment and cover-up allegations – according to WNYC.
The 26-year-old Republican challenger told WNYC on Wednesday that he was bowing out of the race to purse other interests, but just a day later has apparently had a change of heart.
“I feel that I have chance to win,” Garcia told the public radio station. “I don’t think somebody that’s dishonest should be held in a seat. I think he should just step down.”
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In August, Lopez was censured for sexual harassment claims, and a few days later news broke that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver had allegedly Lopez to quietly settle a previous sexual harassment accusation.
Subsequently, Lopez lost his leadership positions in Albany, as well as of the head the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
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According to WNYC, Garcia is from the Dominican Republic, and became a citizen 10 years ago. His mother-in-law is Ameriar Feliciano, the female Republican district leader from the 53rd Assembly district. Garcia currently works at the Board of Elections warehouse in Sunset Park as a technician.