Frei-Pearson Drops From Assembly Race, Endorses Buchwald

Jeremiah Frei Pearson announced Wednesday that he will no longer seek the Democratic nomination for the 89th Assembly district seat, instead throwing his support behind fellow Democrat and White Plains Councilman David Buchwald.

Republican Robert Castelli currently occupies the 89th district seat, which will become the 93rd district during the next term. Frei-Pearson, 33, was the first Democrat to throw his hat into the ring when he in January, but said Wednesday it is important for Democrats to unite behind one candidate.

"While I sincerely appreciate the tremendous support I’ve received over the past several months from many voters, community leaders and political activists, the goal has always been to ensure a Democratic victory in November," Frei-Pearson, a White Plains attorney, said in a statement. "The best way to do that is to focus all our resources behind a single Democratic candidate, and that candidate is David Buchwald."

Buchwald officially for the Assembly days after Frei-Pearson. He said Wednesday he is honored to accept the endorsement.

"I share Jeremiah’s ideals of fighting for our children, strengthening our state’s economy and reforming Albany," Buchwald said in a statement. "I look forward to working with him, and all our supporters to ensure victory on Election Day.”

Castelli is serving his first full term as the 89th Assembly District representative. The Republican first won the seat with a  in 2010, then  later that year.

The soon-to-be 93rd district represents Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Harrison and part of White Plains.