Maguire Won't Face Rep. Garrett in 2014 Race

Congressional hopeful Andy Maguire has dropped out of a potential race gainst incumbent Republican Scott Garrett.

, said he won't be taking on the Sussex-based Tea Party darling in the 2014 election. He did not provide a reason for dropping out of the race.

“Over the past six months I have considered seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress in the recently redrawn 5th Congressional District in 2014," Maguire, a Democrat, said in a statement. "The response from Democrats, Republicans, Independents and friends across the district has been outstanding and deeply gratifying.

"But the 5th CD still needs a member of Congress who is in-touch, committed to progress and opposed to partisanship, and who works on solutions — for jobs and economic growth, transportation and infrastructure, environmental health, gun safety, marriage equality, immigration reform, and more — that will make our cities and towns attractive and appealing places for individuals and families to live," Maguire said.

With the Ridgewood resident out of the running, a door has opened for Hackenack attorney Roy Cho. With little name recognition, it would be an uphill battle for the 32-year-old.

Garrett, considered the most conservative federal legislator from New Jersey, has been re-elected five times since joining the House of Representatives in 2003.

New Jersey's 5th Congressional district – which comprises of Sussex, Warren counties, as well as parts of Bergen and Passaic – was recently redrawn and now includes most of Bergen County's moderate suburbs, along with Democrat--heavy Hackensack and Teaneck.