Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus is ending her challenge to Sen. Steve Oroho
ANDOVER TWP. -- State Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus is calling off her Republican primary challenge to Sen. Steve Oroho.
In a six-paragraph letter provided to NJ Advance Media, Phoebus said she also will not seek a second term in the Assembly.
Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus "After a great deal of reflection, I have decided not to run for office in the New Jersey 24th Legislative District this year," Phoebus wrote in the letter.
It was signed and dated Tuesday, six days before the April 3 candidate filing deadline.
"As much as I recognize the need to press hard for our core beliefs and the cherished way of life we all hold dear, my family must always be my first priority," Phoebus added.
Phoebus, a former Sussex County freeholder, was elected to the Assembly in 2015 with Oroho's backing.
She diverged from Oroho last year after he co-sponsored legislation raising New Jersey's gas tax.
In February, Phoebus announced she would challenge her former ally in the June 6 Republican primary.
Soon after, her campaign sustained a setback when former Mount Olive Mayor David Scappichio, who had agreed to run for Assembly on a ticket with her, reversed course and decided to seek his former seat on the Morris County freeholder board.
Oroho is running on a re-election ticket with former State Labor Commissioner Harold Wirths and Assemblyman Parker Space, who joined Phoebus in voting against the gas tax increase.
The 24th District includes all of Sussex County, Mount Olive in Morris County and 11 municipalities in Warren County.
Phone calls to Phoebus and Oroho were not immediately returned.
All 120 seats in the New Jersey Legislature are on the ballot this year.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook