Rendo ends bid for State Assembly seat, endorses Auth and Azzariti

Citing a need for party unity, Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo has dropped his bid for the Republican nomination for State Assembly in the 39th district, endorsing the two incumbents.

Rendo’s withdrawal sets up a three-way primary between Assemblymen Bob Auth (R-Old Tappan) and John Azzariti, Jr. (R-Saddle River) and investment banker Frank Pallotta, a former congressional candidate.

“I entered the race after being urged by supporters who appreciated my public service.  I believe I am uniquely positioned given my experience as a third term mayor and as the 2017 candidate for Lt. Governor,” Rendo said.  “I know I would have won a contested primary.”

Two other candidates have also dropped out over the last eight days: Saddle River Councilman John Kurpis and Mahwah Councilman Ward Donigian.

“This election is not about me — it’s about something greater. Party Unity.  Bergen County Republicans have an opportunity to turn this State red, but we cannot do so if we remain divided,” Rendo said.

“Let’s go and make Bergen County and New Jersey Great Again,” he said.

Pallotta said he would not compete in next month’s Bergen County Republican convention, a process that no longer includes a county line.

“I cannot in good conscience participate in an obsolete and antiquated convention process that can drag on for months, draining tens of thousands of dollars and critical resources away from what really matters – direct voter engagement,” Pallotta stated.  “Every minute spent courting a small circle of political insiders is a minute stolen from the families, workers, and small business owners who make our community strong.”