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Candidate Drops Out of Race for City Council District 5 Seat

By DNAinfo Staff on February 21, 2013 5:13pm

UPPER EAST SIDE — The field of candidates for Jessica Lappin's District 5 City Council Seat has grown smaller.

Domenico Minerva told DNAinfo.com New York that he is dropping out of the contest for personal reasons.

"Running doesn't make sense for me at this time," said Minerva, 36. "That's pretty much what it comes down to."

Minerva, who raised some $27, 213 since announcing his candidacy in summer 2012, said he will start contacting donors today, advising them that he will soon return their money.

Though renouncing his candidacy, he has officially endorsed Dan Garodnik's re-election to  District 4 City Council seat as well as Micah Kellner's District 5 City Council bid.

"I've been a supporter of Micah for years now. I've raised him money. I've contributed to him. I've campaigned on corners for him. I've petitioned for him," he said. "He's a friend."

He said that his decision had nothing to do with Kellner's candidacy.

Minerva said that he still might consider a political bid come the next election cycle.

"It's unfortunate and a little dissapointing, but I'm still young," he said of his decision. "Four years is not so far away."