Indicted rep nixes reelex bid

Freshly indicted Rep. Chris Collins' reelection plans lasted only four days after his arrest.

The upstate Republican, in a stunning Saturday reversal, announced the immediate suspension of his congressional campaign in a fourparagraph statement. The three-term representative stressed he intends to finish the last four months of his term despite departing the race against Democratic long shot Nate McMurray.

“After extensive discussions with my family and friends over the last few days, I have decided it is in the best interests of (my) constituents … the Republican Party and President Trump's agenda for me to suspend my campaign for reelection,” he said.

“I will also continue to fight the meritless charges brought against me and I look forward to having my good name cleared of any wrongdoing.”

Collins' decision raised Democrat hopes of grabbing a seat in the state's most GOPleaning district.

After his Wednesday indictment for insider trading, a resolute Collins (above) said he would continue his campaign while fighting the allegations. Some, including Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, called for Collins — with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi echoing those comments Saturday.

Federal prosecutors charged Collins, one of Trump's earliest backers, shared inside information with family members in a scam where they dodged nearly $800,000 in stock losses. The allegations against Collins, his son and the son's future father-in-law stem from the politician's ties to an Australian biotech company.

Collins is on the board of Innate Immunotherapeutics, and is one of the business' largest stockholders.