Former Southeast Town Justice Jim Borkowski announced Wednesday that he is abandoning his bid for the 99th District State Senate Seat that's being vacated by Vincent Leibell and now plans to run for the 40th District State Assembly Seat that's currently held by Greg Ball. Ball is running for the Senate Seat in the 99th District.

Borkowski cited "Party unity" as the reason for switching the race.

Said Borkowski, "Everything is on the line this year. We(Republicans) must take back the New York State Senate." He added, "My participation in a three-way primary will only forestall a strong General Election Campaign to defeat the Democrats, hurting our changes of re-taking the New York State Senate." Republicans Greg Ball and Somers Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy remain in the race. Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz is the declared candidate on the Democratic side.

The 40th Assembly District race is a crowded one currently, with several candidates already in the mix. In addition to Borkowski, Steve Katz, a Veterinarian from Yorktown, Putnam County Legislator Mary Ellen Odell, and Yorktown Councilman Nick Bianco have already indicated their interest in the seat.

The 40th Assembly District covers parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties