ALBANY, N.Y. — Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple has withdrawn his bid for a state Senate seat. Apple made the announcement via Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, thus concluding his short-lived run in the 43rd Senate district.
Apple emphasized his love for his current post as County Sheriff and will continue to serve in that role.
“I have made a decision not to continue my campaign for NY Senate in the 43rd District. I never had aspirations for higher office, but with the support and encouragement I received from residents across the district I tried to convince myself this was the next step for me. I hoped to be a voice for moderate voters who had felt they needed a stronger voice in New York. However after exploring this opportunity I’m drawn back to the goal I have always set for myself and my kids which is “find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life,” Apple stated.
“I deeply apologize to the Unions who supported me, Committee members and volunteers who carried petitions in the hot weather, as well as our Chairman Jake Crawford who tried tirelessly to have me reconsider how I can best serve the community. But this is the right decision for me. On a county level we have tackled many problems facing our state, and I thought I could make a difference up the street. I’m not so sure I could have as much of an impact on improving our community there as I already do each day,” Apple continued.
“As your sheriff we have a proven track record of protecting the vulnerable, helping the addicted, helping those with mental illness, protecting our schools, creating first of its kind programs, and certainly approaching things with common sense. I have proven that law enforcement can be compassionate and kind and still maintain law and order. So with that said, I look forward to protecting you and keeping you safe as long as you will have me. Take care and be safe,” Apple added on the decision to remain Sheriff.
The newly drawn 43rd state Senate district encompasses all of Rensselaer County and a majority of Washington County. It also includes Cohoes, Watervliet, and Colonie in Albany County. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden would’ve garnered 54.5 percent of the district’s vote.
Republican Assemblyman Jake Ashby, who represents the 107th state Assembly district, remains in the race, as does Democrat Andrea Smyth, who previously ran and lost for Rensselaer County Executive in 2017.
Smyth reacted to the news of Apple dropping out of the race and expressed confidence in her own candidacy moving forward.
“Sheriff Craig Apple is one of the most well-respected law enforcement officials in this country and I am sure Albany county residents are relieved to know he will remain on the job helping keep our streets safer. His remarkable record speaks for itself and I respect his decision to remain in the job he loves,” Smyth stated.
“To all the Albany County residents from Cohoes, Colonie, Green Island and Watervliet as well as those in Washington County, you will come to learn what my neighbors in Rensselaer County already know: that my 30 years of dedication and work with elected officials in the New York State Capital, focused on making life better for children and families, will continue. I hope to meet you at the door soon and earn your support as my campaign for Senate District 43 continues because I am Senate Ready,” Smyth added.
Apple also noted that he will not be endorsing a candidate in the race for the Senate seat.
