McCabe Drops From City Council Race Due to Illness, Opens Clear Path for Ward

Citing health concerns, Rick McCabe, the GOP candidate for Rye City Council, dropped from the race Wednesday afternoon, citing an “unforeseen illness”. Rumors of McCabe’s situation had been swirling for weeks, and his campaign had been oddly quiet. In a statement ending his campaign, McCabe thanked his family, supporters and advisors, and said he expected to “recover soon”. He did not provide details as to the nature of the illness.

Local GOP officials said on Wednesday there will be no replacement candidate for McCabe. The development leaves Democratic candidate James Ward in a position to take the open Council seat with an election win on November 5th.

In his role as the head of the Recreation Committee, McCabe has been a central player in the planned artificial turf installation at Nursery Field.

Here is McCabe’s full statement:

“A Message to the Voters

My Fellow Rye Citizens – I’ve been excited about campaign for Rye City Council since day one. The chance to serve the hometown that I love was a chance I couldn’t pass up.

It is with great regret that I must announce that due to an unforeseen illness from which I will recover soon, I am suspending my campaign for the open city council seat. Rye voters deserve to make a fully informed choice this November. Unfortunately, in the short term, I will be unable to campaign and meet with voters to discuss my positions. For now, I need to focus on my health and my family.

Thank you to my family and the enthusiastic team of supporters and sage advisors with me the past months. I also want to thank the Rye Republican Party for the support and confidence you placed in me by nominating me as your candidate.

I wish my opponent James Ward the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Rick McCabe”