STATEN ISLAND — Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis announced Monday she would no longer seek the Republican nomination to fill former Rep. Michael Grimm's seat in Congress.
In a statement posted online, Malliotakis said that she won't pursue nominations from the Republican, Independent and Conservative party to run for Grimm's seat — which he resigned from in January.
She asked her supporters to unite around District Attorney Dan Donovan, who was backed by the Staten Island GOP.
"I respect the decision of Chairman [John] Antoniello and believe it is important that we unite behind Dan Donovan's candidacy to ensure we maintain New York City's only Republican seat," Malliotakis said in the statement.
"Accordingly, I have chosen to end my exploration activities today and will not pursue the nomination process for the Conservative Party, Independence Party or Kings County Republican Committee."
The announcement came two days after Donovan won the party's backing. Malliotakis was the only other Republican vying for the nomination.
On the Democratic side, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Councilman Vincent Gentile and former Rep. Michael McMahon have been linked to possible runs.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has yet to announce when the special election will be.
Grimm resigned from his seat after pleading guilty to tax evasion charges for hiding profits at a Manhattan restaurant he co-owned.
