State Assemblyman Peter D. Lopez announced this week that he is suspending his bid for New York’s 19th Congressional District to care for his father, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Lopez, a Republican, will now seek re-election in the 102nd Assembly District. 

“These are the months that my family needs me the most,” Lopez wrote in a statement. “There really is no choice when family is involved. The timing of the diagnosis and treatment runs right into the necessary committee candidate selection process that will begin on Jan. 11 and run through late February.”

Republican Congressman Chris Gibson is stepping down at the end of his term to contemplate a run for state office. Lopez began considering a run for Congress two years ago, he told The Enterprise in November.

Gibson “mentioned he might be leaving office, and suggested that I think about it,” Lopez said then. “A number of people across the district have told me, ‘We’ve seen you’ve helped us with floods. We would like to see you as our Congressman.’”

Lopez represents District 102, which includes portions of Schoharie, Greene, Columbia, Ulster, Delaware, and Albany counties — including part of the Helderberg Hilltowns.

Lopez, 54, announced his run for Congress around Thanksgiving, but learned of his father’s diagnosis and newly drafted treatment schedule over the Christmas holiday.

Lopez is the only sibling of four who lives near his parents; he and his wife, Bridget, are their caregivers. Lopez also serves as health proxy for his father, he said in a statement.

Lopez is in his fifth two-year term, representing the Republican, Independent, and Conservative parties. He holds a master’s degree from University at Albany in public administration.

— Jo E. Prout