Rochester, N.Y. – Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks (R) announced Friday that she will not be running for the 29th District seat in Congress vacated by former Rep. Eric Massa’s resignation.
In a statement Friday, Brooks said she has been "overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from everyday taxpayers across our community who encouraged me to run for Congress," but that she has decided against running.
Massa resigned Monday citing health reasons, but also amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, and since his initial pre-resignation announcement that he was not running for re-election, numerous potential candidates have been mentioned.
Brooks’ announcement leaves former Corning mayor Tom Reed as the main Republican contender for the seat. Former Rep. Randy Kuhl announced Wednesday that
No Democrats have officially entered the race. The most prominent figure, Monroe County District Attorney Mike Green, declined the chance to run for the seat.
New York Governor David Paterson has said that he will call for a special election to fill the seat, but no official date has been announced.
Statement from Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks
Over the last several days I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from everyday taxpayers across our community who encouraged me to run for Congress. While it would have been a distinct honor to represent the hardworking residents of New York’s 29th Congressional District, after thoughtful deliberation with my family, friends, and community leaders I have decided not to seek a seat in Congress at this time.
When I was first elected Monroe County Executive over six years ago, I pledged to always act in the best interests of local taxpayers. I’ve used that pledge as the basis for every decision made during my tenure, whether in governing or politics. We have accomplished much since 2004 – six straight years of balanced budgets and stable property taxes, helping local businesses create and retain thousands of jobs, ensuring our public safety services are among the best in the nation, and continued efforts to make government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers. However, in these challenging times, I feel more work remains to be done.
I am eternally proud to call Monroe County my home and am honored to have continually received the trust of our local taxpayers. Together, we are tackling the challenges faced by all levels of governments right here on a local level – and we are certainly succeeding. The time may come when we take our message of stable taxes, controlled spending, and job creation to the halls of Congress, but today I couldn’t be prouder to continue serving our community as County Executive.
