McMurray’s Democratic challenger drops out of race for 27th
Melodie Baker has withdrawn from the 27th Congressional race. She was challenging Nate McMurray for the Democratic Party endorsement.
Melodie Baker
McMurray has secured the support of the eight county chairs in the 27thCongressional District, including from Jeanne Crane, chairwoman of the Orleans County Democratic Party.
“I am beyond grateful for all of the support and encouragement I have received from residents throughout New York’s 27th Congressional District and beyond,” Baker said in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to have met so many wonderful people through the process of exploring a run for Congress and I’m excited for the friendships that have been formed with Democratic leaders, community activists, and members of the Labor movement.”
Baker, an education and health care policy expert, works as director of Education for the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. She is also chairwoman of the Erie-Niagara Birth to 8 Coalition and co-chairwoman of RaisingNY.
McMurray lost a close race for the 27thin November 2018 to Chris Collins. The seat has been vacant since Collins resigned on Sept. 30. He has pleaded guilty to insider trading and lying to federal law enforcement agents.
The date for a special election to fill the vacancy hasn’t been set by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The governor has said he favors having the special election on April 28, when there is a presidential primary. The State Republican Party has sued to have the election moved up before the primary.
