Here is the text of an email sent to CBS 5 from the campaign:

Earlier today, Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. notified party officials that he will withdraw his name from consideration as a candidate for Congress in the 25th Congressional District. Effective immediately, Cappuccilli will no longer campaign nor will he actively seek the Republican Party nomination in the race to succeed retiring Congressman James T. Walsh, (R-25th).

Cappuccilli made the difficult decision to withdraw his name after consulting with his doctors and his family after recently experiencing medical symptoms similar to those that traditionally accompany a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), commonly known as a “warning stroke” or “mini stroke”.

Cappuccilli, a 57 year old resident from the Town of Geddes, had previously suffered a TIA, approximately one year ago. As a result of the episode last year, Cappuccilli’s doctors prescribed medication and suggested that he alter his diet and add exercise to his daily regimen of activity. After following his doctor’s recommendations, Cappuccilli was feeling great and had not experienced any additional symptoms.

However, after recently experiencing progressively worsening episodes, similar to those that accompanied the original TIA, Cappuccilli’s family urged him to consult with his physicians. As a result, Cappuccilli is currently undergoing testing at a hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida where he and his family are visiting his parents for the Easter holiday.

Hospital doctors have suggested that he take the symptoms as an early warning and told him that his health should be his number one priority at this time without stressful distractions which are a contributing factor to his recurring episodes. At his family’s request, Cappuccilli has decided that he must concentrate on his health and not the rigors of the upcoming campaign.

Cappuccilli said, “I do not think that it is fair to my family, my friends and supporters, the party or the residents of this district who are about to make a very important decision about their future representative in Congress, for me to continue this campaign while distracted by health concerns. As difficult as it is for me to accept that heath concerns have caused me to formally withdraw my name from this race, I hope that people will understand that I need to take care of my health at this time.”

Peter Cappuccilli will not be available for comment. We ask that the members of the media and the public respect his family’s privacy and allow him the opportunity to concentrate on his health.

All future events, including any scheduled fundraisers are hereby cancelled and all contributions will be returned in accordance with Federal Election Law.