Kathleen Rice Won't Run For New York Attorney General

Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City, said in a statement on Tuesday that she would not be running to fill the now-vacant seat of New York Attorney General.

Rice, the former Nassau County District Attorney, was one of many names that were being floated as potential replacements for former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who stepped down on May 8 after allegations surfaced that he had abused four women.

“Over the past week, I’ve been encouraged by many friends and supporters to enter the New York Attorney General’s race. I am very grateful for that support," Rice said in her statement. "But given the timing of Eric Schneiderman’s resignation and the current state law prohibiting candidates from seeking two offices simultaneously, I have determined that I cannot run for Attorney General at this time. I am excited to seek a third term in Congress and hope to continue representing my constituents in Washington at this critical moment in our nation’s history. I am confident that New Yorkers will choose an attorney general who is worthy of our faith and our trust. We must demand no less.”

Rice's announcement comes on the day that members of the New York State Assembly are starting to interview potential replacements for Schneiderman. Rice was not on the list of 13 people who were slated to be interviewed by the bipartisan board of Assembly representatives.

The 4th Congressional District includes Baldwin, Bellmore, East Rockaway, East Meadow, the Five Towns, Lynbrook, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Malverne, Freeport, Merrick, Mineola, Carle Place, New Hyde Park, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Uniondale, Wantagh, West Hempstead, Westbury and parts of Valley Stream.

Photo: Kathleen Rice's Office