Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Grieco announced Monday his withdrawal from the city's mayoral race.
Grieco cited "unjustified attacks" on his character and service, and what he called "an unrelenting mudslinging contest" as reasons for quitting the race. The commissioner faced a tough battle with former state Sen. Dan Gelber for the mayoral seat.
Grieco also became the center of a fundraising scandal. His campaign was criticized after the Miami Herald reported alleged ties to an outside political fundraising group.
"Any unintended errors of judgment in my handling of matters not related to my public service as an elected official had been manipulated by the very special interest I have long opposed as your elected representative," Grieco said at Monday's press conference. He made no other comment on the reports.
Instead, Grieco said he would seek re-election as City Commissioner in Group 2.
Grieco gained the support of 1,700 residents who signed a petition to place the commissioner on the ballot. By the end of July, his mayoral campaign had raised upwards of $535,000, which was more money than any of his contenders.
Two other candidates also remain in the mayoral race: former IT consulting executive Kenneth R. Bereski and financier Daniel Kahn.
