Former Governor George Pataki spoke in support of Councilmember Eric Ulrich’s bid for State Senate at a recent fundraiser.
Pataki said he enjoys the private sector these days and publicly endorses a campaign only when he believes strongly in the candidate.
“Eric Ulrich,” he said, “is someone in whom I strongly believe. [He] has done a phenomenal job at being a fresh, new voice not just for his district, but for the people of Queens and this city. It’s a better place because of him. His new race for State Senate is critical for the future of this state in deciding whether we’re going to have decent, strong leadership in the State Senate or whether we’re going to go back to the hideous dysfunction that existed just two years ago. We have to make sure Queens and New York City stay safe. We need schools that actually work. That’s not going to happen unless we have people like Eric Ulrich in the Senate.”
The former governor said he looks forward to seeing Ulrich “bring the same young, independent voice he’s been on the City Council to the State Senate.”
“It’s about the future of our state and our young people, to make sure they have a better shot at life than our parents and grandparents had,” said Ulrich. “That’s what being in Queens and being in American has always been about. If I want to give that opportunity to the next generation, I’ve got to step up to the plate and help continue bipartisan leadership in Albany.”
Ulrich and his wife, Yadira, are expecting their first child.
If Ulrich defeats Juan Reyes in a September primary, he will face off against Democratic State Senator Joseph Addabbo in November.
Also in attendance in support of Ulrich was councilmember and congressional candidate Dan Halloran, who recently recovered from brain surgery.
The fundraiser was hosted by entrepreneur Sal Bacarella and his girlfriend Christie Lauren.
