Former state senator Antoine Thompson may be running for a seat in the state assembly this year. Thompson submitted his resignation Friday to Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. Since December of 2012 , Thompson has served as director of the Buffalo Education and Technology Center.
"So I submitted my letter of resignation effective today and I'm very thankful to the mayor for giving me this opportunity the last two years," said Thompson.
The Buffalo News is reporting that he will mount a challenge to incumbent Assembly woman Crystal Peoples-Stokes of Buffalo.
But Thompson would not confirm a political run when reached by WBFO'S Eileen Buckley Friday afternoon.
"No --I think there's a lot of conversation about that. Today is about the people of Buffalo and thanking them for giving me the opportunity to work at the BETC," said Thompson "I think we can talk about that at another day."
"Do you miss being in the political arena?", asked Buckley. "I prefer working for the people," responded Thompson.
According to the News, if Thompson launches a run against Peoples-Stokes it could bring out more of the African-American vote in Buffalo. That could also help Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Betty Jean Grant's bid to unseat incumbent state senator Tim Kennedy.
Thompson lost his state Senate seat in 2010 against Republican Mark Grisanti in a big upset.
