New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D) has dropped his bid to become the next chairman of the Democratic Party’s congressional campaign arm, according to a letter sent to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
In the letter obtained by CBS News, Maloney thanked Pelosi for her consideration of his candidacy and pointed to his recent hospitalization over a bacterial infection as the reason behind ending his campaign.
“Congratulations on your resounding win in today’s caucus elections and thank you for speaking with me regarding a possible delay in the scheduled vote for Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC),” Maloney wrote.
{mosads}”While I appreciate your consideration given my temporary hospitalization, I have decided that at this time it would be best for me to pursue other ways to contribute in the 116th Congress,” he added. “I believe it is in the greater interest of our caucus to decide the remaining leadership positions without undue delay, so we can be at full strength for the battles to come.”
Maloney on Tuesday requested a delay on the vote to lead the DCCC, but wrote one day later that his condition would require “a few days of intensive treatment.”
“I had intended to stand for election to a leadership position this week, but life had other plans for me. I’ve always been blessed with good health, but this condition is going to require a few days of intensive treatment,” Maloney said in a statement Tuesday.
“With deep respect for my supporters and colleagues, I felt it was improper to continue a leadership run at this time, unless the election can be postponed until a later date. I’ll be enthusiastically rejoining my colleagues soon to get to work on the important issues of the day,” he added at the time.
The race to lead the DCCC, currently led by Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), now remains a three-way contest between Democratic Reps. Suzan DelBene (Wash.), Cheri Bustos (Ill.) and Denny Heck (Wash.). A decision to delay the election would have been made by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who won a narrow victory Wednesday to become the Democrats’ new caucus chair.