Youngkin ends freeholder bid

George Youngkin has dropped his bid for Burlington County Freeholder, just hours after a Burlington County Times story revealed that he had been arrested for attempting to choke his ex-wife and for stalking another woman.

“I am immediately suspending my campaign for Burlington County Freeholder. As I have said, I take full responsibility for my actions during a very difficult time for my family. In order to prevent further anguish to those I love, I am stepping aside,” Youngkin said in a statement issued tonight.  “I am sorry for the pain that I have caused to my family, my running mates, and my supporters.”

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, Rep. Tom MacArthur, Democratic congressional candidate Andy Kim, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bob Hugin, and GOP State Chairman Doug Steinhardt had all urged Youngkin to exit the race.

So did the three 7th district legislators.

“We share a zero tolerance policy against domestic violence, assault and aggression towards women,” said State Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Palmyra), Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel), and Assemblyman Herbert Conaway (D-Delran).  “We are extremely shocked and gravely disappointed to learn about George Youngkin’s past behavior and are pleased that he is ending his campaign for county freeholder to focus on his family and personal healing during this time.”

Youngkin’s name is expected to remain on the ballot since the deadline to switch candidates has now passed and some residents have already cast their votes by mail.

Democrats need to pick up one freeholder seat to take control of county government.

The arrest, which occurred in 2006, did not come up last year when Youngkin won 48% of the vote in his challenge to State Sen. Dawn Addiego (R-Evesham).

This story was updated at 9:11 AM on September 28.