Brian Romero, the Democratic nominee for New York's 34th Assembly District, has deleted a GoFundMe campaign that sought $2,000 to help cover rent and grocery bills. The fundraising effort drew criticism given Romero's expected annual salary of $142,000 once he takes office.

Romero, who identified as a Democratic Socialist, stated on the now-removed page that he had to leave his full-time job as a senior adviser to state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez after becoming a candidate. He explained that he had exhausted his savings while searching for consulting work and was unable to claim unemployment benefits.

"As many of you know, I had to leave my full time job in the legislature when I got on the ballot for our Assembly race," Romero wrote on the fundraising page, according to The New York Post. "I'm excited that we won and I saved for months to get by but I've now depleted my savings as I'm close to closing down some consulting gigs."

The fundraiser, which had raised over $1,000 from 13 donors before its removal, aimed to help with living expenses during his transition to elected office. Critics noted that Romero is expected to win the heavily Democratic district in November and will also be eligible for legislative per diem payments when the Legislature is in session.

Romero told The Post that he removed the fundraiser after discussing it with friends and described the decision to create it as "a mistake." He also stated that he did not keep any of the money raised, as friends offered direct financial assistance.

"I decided to take it down. It was kind of done pretty quickly in consultation with some friends," Romero told The Post. "I have friends I just reached out to directly who said, 'We'll take care of it.' They're just dear friends who know me, they know politics. They know sometimes these long breaks are really tough."

State payroll records cited by The Post indicate Romero earned $106,469 last year as a legislative aide. He reportedly lives with his partner in an apartment in Jackson Heights with a monthly rent of approximately $2,600.

Romero won the Democratic primary for the 34th Assembly District and faces no Republican challenger in the general election. His campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.