New York state Senate candidate Gia Arnold, a 24-year-old Republican, halted her campaign on Wednesday because she said she had engaged in an extramarital affair within the past two weeks.
The New York Daily News reported that Arnold announced the suspension of her campaign with an email sent to supporters and the media early Wednesday morning. She spoke to the Daily News by phone and explained the “personal decision” that prompted the suspension.
“I had an affair on August 1st and four days later I left my husband,” Arnold said. “I wanted to go public with the information, just because it was heavy on my conscience and I am strong for honesty and integrity and always telling the truth and I felt it was important as a public figure that the public was aware of what was going on.”
Although Arnold is no longer actively seeking election, she does not plan to withdraw from the state Senate race and will serve if elected.
“I hope that will (sic) people will continue to place their vote on who they’re most confident on leading them in Albany,” she said. “I will still be on the ballot.”