One of the Democratic candidates seeking to challenge Rep. Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th Congressional District has suspended his campaign, shrinking the crowded primary field.

Peter Chatzky announced the decision in a post on his Facebook page.

The Briarcliff Manor deputy mayor had come under criticism in recent weeks for past Facebook posts.

Chatzky described those posts as crude and over‑the‑line remarks made on his personal Facebook page among friends and said he regretted offending anyone.

He did not reference the posts directly in his statement announcing the suspension of his campaign.

Instead, Chatzky criticized what he described as the machinery of the Democratic Party establishment.

He said that if he continued running, party leaders and rival candidates would need to spend significant time and money to defeat him.

Chatzky added that those resources would be better spent defeating Lawler in the general election.