Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra has not only chosen to drop out of the race for state senate, but leave the Republican party. Giambra tells supporters he can't stand with a party where some leaders still believe Donald Trump is president.
Giambra tweeted to his supporters he cannot continue his campaign for the 61st State Senate district. "I want to thank my family, friends, and the many volunteers who devoted their time and energy to pursuing a campaign for moderation and common sense," tweeted Giambra.
Giambra says he can no longer sit in a party that has very little in common with where his views are. "I can't be part of a party that continues to worship Donald Trump and a party leadership that some still believe won the presidency. I can't be part of a party that is very intolerant, when it comes to people who might be different. Their sexual orientation, their race, their color, their creed," says Giambra. He adds he can't be involved with a party whose leadership continues to turn their heads to do anything about assault weapons after several recent mass shootings.
Giambra also feels he can't be on a ticket where the gubernatorial nominee, Lee Zeldin, "who worships Trump, who the day after the election, when he won the nomination for governor said that he would solicit and accept the endorsement of Donald Trump. And a candidate for governor Republican candidate for governor said he would appoint a pro life Commissioner of Health gratuitously." Giambra says it would be a different story had Harry Wilson won, as Giambra considers Wilson a moderate conservative.
Giambra says for now, he plans to register as unaffiliated.
