Onondaga County Legislator David Knapp has ended his campaign for a state Assembly seat in Central New York, saying he does not want to trigger a divisive Republican primary.
Knapp, a Republican from LaFayette, announced he will instead seek an eighth term on the Onondaga County Legislature in the November election.
His decision follows recent shifts in local Republican races. Earlier this month, Assemblyman John Lemondes, also a Republican from LaFayette, suspended his campaign for Congress in the 22nd Congressional District against Democrat John Mannion of Geddes. Lemondes cited personal reasons and said he would seek re-election to his 126th Assembly District seat, which includes parts of Cayuga County, including the city of Auburn.
Knapp launched his Assembly campaign in early December, before Lemondes withdrew from the congressional race.
A farmer and Army veteran, Knapp is one of the longest-serving members of the Onondaga County Legislature and is beginning his 14th year in office.
In a statement, Knapp said he chose to step aside to avoid a costly primary that could weaken the Republican Party’s chances in the fall election. He thanked supporters for their backing and said he looks forward to continuing his work in the county legislature.
