Assemblyman Sean Connors (D-33), announced today he is withdrawing his support of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, who is up for re-election in May. 

“I have come to the painful realization that it’s time for a change of leadership in Jersey City,” Connors said. “I endorsed Mayor Healy several months ago for re-election, but now realize that it is an endorsement that I need to retract.”

Healy was rumored to be recruiting Connors to become part of his ticket as a candidate for Jersey City council.

According to Connors, a Jersey City police detective, Healy’s dismal performance in the wake of Hurricane Sandy was the reason for his reversal.  

Connors called the mayor’s performance “simply inexcusable.”

“When the Mayor had an opportunity to step forward to lead this city, he stepped back," Connors said. "With the right person in the mayor’s office, this would never have happened. There were many parts of the city where the mayor never even appeared. In a crisis, a true leader must provide a strong sense that he has the situation under control. What I heard from many residents is they felt a sense of growing chaos in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, with looting in some neighborhoods."

No word yet on whether Connors plans to support Steve Fulop, who is challenging Healy for the city's top spot.