David Scapicchio previously said he would team up with Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus
MOUNT OLIVE -- Former Morris County freeholder David Scapicchio is ending his brief campaign for Assembly and will seek to regain his former post.
Scapicchio's change of heart leaves in the lurch Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus, R-24th District, who confirmed nine days ago that she had teamed up with the ex-mayor in her Republican primary challenge to Sen. Steve Oroho.
He was defeated in the 2015 Republican freeholder primary after serving a single, three-year term.
Scapicchio said he reconsidered after Morris County Freeholder Hank Lyon announced last week that he will not seek re-election and instead run in the Republican primary for Assembly in the neighboring 26th District.
"All of my family, friends, all of my contacts are down here in Morris County. The Sussex race would have been an uphill battle," Scapicchio told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday.
"I would have taken that on, had Hank not given up his seat," he added.
District 24 includes all of Sussex County and 11 municipalities in Warren County, with Mount Olive being the sole municipality in Morris.
Phoebus did not immediately return a phone call.
Asked about her reaction upon being informed of his decision, Scapicchio said, "The conversation went well."
Phoebus diverged from Oroho after he sponsored legislation raising New Jersey's gas tax and recently announced her candidacy for Senate.
Elected to the Assembly in 2015 with Oroho's backing, Phoebus also has moved out of their shared district office.
Oroho has formed a re-election ticket with Assemblyman Parker Space and former state Labor Commissioner Harold Wirths, who is seeking the district's second seat in the lower chamber.
The candidate filing deadline for the June 6 primary is April 3.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.