Harry Wilson, a Scarsdale businessman considered the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, announced on Facebook Monday that he will not be running for governor, citing family reasons. Cuomo, a Democrat, is running for a third term this year.
Wilson joins Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who also announced they will not be challenging Cuomo.
"I have been wrestling with two incredibly powerful but, ultimately, competing forces – a deep desire to serve and make NY State a much better place," Wilson, who has four children, said. "And a deep commitment to my family, along with my view that it is very difficult to do both as well as I want to, at the same time. I do not want to miss that time and not be a great father to my daughters, just as my own dad was to me."
Wilson was prepared to spend as much as $10 million of his own money to challenge Cuomo, who has raised $30 million. In 2010, Wilson unsuccessfully ran for State Comptroller.
Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and Assembly Leader Brian Kolb are challenging Cuomo.
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