WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Days after his federal indictment connected to alleged insider trading and vowing to run for re-election, Congressman Chris Collins did an about-face and announced Saturday morning that he will suspend his campaign.
The Congressman released a statement saying in part, "After extensive discussions with my family and my friends over the last few days, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the constituents of NY-27, the Republican Party and President Trump’s agenda for me to suspend my campaign for re-election to Congress."
Since the news of Collins' indictment broke on Wednesday, several Republican leaders in Western New York expressed their concern over Collins' ability to do his job effectively while fighting the serious federal charges against him.
Collins says he will fill out his remaining time in office, "to assure that our community maintains its vote in Congress to support President Trump’s agenda," and continue to fight the federal charges brought against him this past week.