Vito Lopez Challenger Richy Garcia Revives Campaign

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.”

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.

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.