N.J. Assemblyman confirms resignation was result of wife’s racially-charged email to Carl Lewis

Why did N.J. Assemblyman Pat Delany resign last month?

Apparently in response to an email his wife wrote to Carl Lewis’ campaign. Delany has confirmed the details behind his resignation from the 8th District seat.

“I am deeply disappointed in my wife’s decision to send that email to Mr. Lewis’ campaign; it does not reflect my personal beliefs whatsoever,” reads part of his statement. “In an attempt to repair the serious damage this has caused to our marriage, and to protect our kids from public humiliation, I decided to leave public life.”

Delany has issued an apology to Lewis for the email, as Politicker NJ reports. “Imagine getting a court ruling overturned so your name could get put on the ballot,” the email sent July 7 reads. “Imagine having dark skin and name recognition and the nerve to think that equalled (sic) knowing something about politics.”

Delany resigned quietly last month and has no plans to seek re-election in November. Lewis’ campaign hasn’t commented and is focusing instead on the effort to keep the Olympian on the ballot.