Tag: Christopher Collins

Christopher Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump, is ending his re-election bid days after the Republican was charged with insider trading. In an about-face, Collins released a statement on Saturday morning saying he will suspend his campaign and finish the rest of his term. Collins was indicted on Wednesday on charges he passed inside information about a biotechnology company to family members so they could profit from illicit trades. He had said later that day he would remain on the ballot despite the indictment and fight the charges. Chris Collins: early Trump ally charged with insider trading Read more “I have decided that it is in the best interests of the constituents of NY-27, the Republican party and president Donald Trump’s agenda for me to suspend my campaign for re-election to Congress,” the statement said. He has denied any wrongdoing. No person is above the law, not the president or his first supporter in Congress,” she said in a statement. Under New York state election law, Collins’ name could be taken off the ballot under certain narrowly defined circumstances that include death, disqualification or being nominated for a different office such as a county clerkship. Stefan Mychajliw, the Erie county comptroller, released a statement putting his name forward for the ballot spot and said he hoped to earn the support of county Republican officials in the district. A spokesman for Nate McMurray, the Democrat in the race, said McMurray planned a news conference later Saturday.