Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential Assembly member Pete Lopez announced early Mon., Jan. 11, that he is suspending his Congressional run. Lopez said he was withdrawing from the 19th Congressional District race in order to care for his father, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The Schoharie Republican will seek re-election to his Assembly seat. In a statement released to the press, Lopez revealed he and his wife, Bridget, are the main caregivers for his father and he is a health proxy for his father. He said key dates in the candidate selection process conflict with the timeline for his father's treatment. Lopez joined the race in late November. Republicans John Faso and Andrew Heaney are considered the frontrunners. Republican Robert Bishop of Delaware County and Democrat John Patrick Kehoe are also running. Over the weekend, Democrat Will Yandik, a farmer and member of the Livingston Town Board, threw his hat into the ring. Zephyr Teachout, the former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is reportedly considering a run. The seat is currently held by Kinderhook Republican Chris Gibson. Gibson declared in early 2015 that he would not seek re-election. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.