“Governor Cuomo’s undemocratic Executive Orders overthrew New York’s electoral process,” Murray’s campaign said. “The right to access the ballot, freedom of association as a member of a political party, the exchange of ideas and free speech are so sacred that the Founding Fathers made it the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”
“Notwithstanding, during the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders have gone unchecked, affirming the ability to silence Murray’s First Amendment rights,” the statement continued.
“As long as avowed socialists are legislators, you can rest assured I will use my platform to advocate for the kitchen table issues of the toughest, hardest working New Yorkers,“ Murray said. ”This is not the end for Scherie Murray because I will continue to work hard.”
The announcement came days after she filed a filed a lawsuit against a contractor who was hired “in good faith” to obtain signatures on her behalf, but allegedly made errors.
Murray’s campaign stated she faced “hurdles” including “a corrupt political establishment working to silence her.”
“To add insult to injury, the vendor hired to collect qualifying signatures to secure ballot access for the Republican Party nomination in the June 2020 Primary, violated New York State election laws,” her campaign said. “The vendor was hired in good faith, yet ultimately prevented Murray from qualifying to be on the Republican Primary ballot for the June 2020 Primary.”
In announcing the news of her departure from the primary race, Murray expressed her thanks to those in the congressional district.
New York is scheduled to hold its primary elections on June 23.
Ocasio-Cortez faces several Democratic primary challengers, including Michelle Caruso-Cabrera—a former anchor for CNBC.
