BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

---

Gia Arnold, the one-time challenger to Republican candidate for state Senate Rob Ortt, is a challenger again.

Arnold announced today that she's back in the race and back on the campaign trail after having dropped out via a late-night email on Aug. 13 in which she admitted to having an affair.

Today's press release states that she was overwhelmed by the support of people who asked her to rethink her decision.

It states:

My Friends:

It has been over a week since I announced I would step-back from my senate campaign, as a result of some personal issues at home with my former husband, and the fact that I participated in an affair.

I was hurt, upset, angry, and thinking more of my current situation, rather than the big picture.

To say that I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and well wishes, would be an understatement. When I made my announcement last week, I never fathomed the hundreds of texts, calls and emails that I received, almost all of which called for me to stay in this race and fight what truth, honesty and what is right for our senate district. For me, telling the truth and being honest with my supporters and the citizens is the most important aspect of running for and representing the people, even if it means losing some support and not helping myself.

We do need someone in Albany who will represent us all, in making things better, and telling the truth about all aspects of that public service. I have realized, after much thought and prayer, that I am still that candidate, despite my shortcomings, and it has been pointed out to me by the hundreds and hundreds of messages I have received.

I did not consider re-entering this primary and election, but with the support that has been shown, and the urging of so many I have met during this long campaign, I have decided to continue this effort on behalf of what is right, and continue to fight for tax-relief, restoration of our rights as citizens, reduction of electric and gas bills, and a true and honest voice in Albany.

To those who cannot support me in this campaign because of what I have done, I say I understand. I know that honesty and personal choices are very important, and for this mistake, to some, there is no forgiveness. But, if nothing else, please vote your conscience in what will best serve our district!

I do not know what the future will bring, but I do know what I stand for and what we can accomplish together! We need Tax-relief, true representation, lower costs for electric and gas and job opportunities for all our residents.
I am again, asking for your consideration...

Thank you!

Gia Arnold/Candidate for the NYS 62nd Senatorial District

The 24-year-old Holley woman is running against North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt on the Republican party line to fill the seat being vacated by state Sen. George Maziarz.

While the announcement was made today, the decision must have been made previously as Arnold also filed petitions Tuesday to run on the Libertarian line in the general election, assuring she'd remain a candidate even if she lost the GOP primary to Ortt, who has party backing.

Ortt released his own statement regarding Arnold's return to the race, which says:

Since day one, this campaign has been about one thing, sending someone to Albany who can best represent the values of the people of the 62nd Senate District. As a combat veteran and mayor of North Tonawanda, I believe I have the commitment to service and the unique experience needed to get the job done. My focus remains on meeting as many residents of the district as I can, and asking for their support on Nov. 4.

Ortt is also running on the Conservative and Independence party lines.

---

Get the daily East Niagara Post email update.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.