Anne Messenger announced that she will no longer pursue the seat in the 24th Congressional District race after failing to secure the Democratic Party endorsement this weekend, contending that she didn't want to split the party by forcing a primary.

This weekend, Scott Comegys withdrew from the race as well.   A third candidate, Bill Bass says he plans to stay in the race.

Bass released a statement Monday saying he is "an underdog in this race," but is "looking forward to a fun, engaging and productive primary process."

SU professor Dana Balter was endorsed by the party in all four counties the 24th District represents.  

Democrats are looking to unseat Congressman John Katko, who is in his second term in office.