Maloney To Run For State Attorney General

COLD SPRING, NY — Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring, will run for state attorney general in the Democratic primary while continuing to run for re-election, a spokesman for Maloney confirmed Wednesday. Maloney said he would suspend his congressional campaign if he wins the primary for attorney general.

The post opened up when Eric Schneiderman resigned following accusations of physical abuse from multiple women.

Barbara Underwood, who previously was solicitor general, was appointed attorney general. She has said she would not run for election to a full term.

Maloney is in his third term as congressman, representing the 18th Congressional District. He currently serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

He was a senior advisor in President Bill Clinton’s administration.

Maloney and his husband, Randy Florke, have three children and live in Cold Spring.

James O'Donnell, who is running on the Republican ticket for the 18th Congressional District, accused Maloney of lobbying for a new job while failing to do his current job.

“I am tired of having a no-show representative in Congress. We can and will do better,” he said. “I am urging all residents of the 18th Congressional district to request that Maloney either get back to work representing us in Congress or resign immediately to run for attorney general.”

Already running for attorney general are New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, law professor Zephyr Teachout, who ran unsuccessfully for governor, and Leecia Eve, a former advisor to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Hillary Clinton.

The 18th Congressional District is comprised of all of Orange and Putnam counties, as well as parts of northern Westchester County and southern Dutchess County. The district includes the cities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Beacon.

PHOTO: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney/ courtesy