Favorite for Pheffer’s former seat drops out of race

Jo Ann Shapiro, long-time chief of staff to Audrey Pheffer, has decided against running for the assembly seat left empty when Pheffer became county clerk.
Shapiro who replaced Pheffer as district leader had the support of the new county clerk if she had decided to run.
“She would have made a wonderful Assemblymember,” Pheffer said of Shapiro.
Pheffer, who had worked with Shapiro for 24 years, said she had spoke with her and is very supportive of her decision. Shapiro spoke with her family and at this point in her life she did not want to start over, Pheffer said.
As of right now, Pheffer is not throwing her support behind a new candidate. She first wants to receive clarification that she can officially endorse someone and also wants to see how the field that is running shakes out.
“This opens the door for many people to run that may not have gone up against [Shapiro],” Pheffer said, adding that she expects many candidates to throw their hat in the ring.
Shapiro did not return a call seeking comment.
The 23rd Assembly district encompasses areas of Ozone Park, Howard Beach and the Rockaways.
A special election will be held to fill the seat. Governor Andrew Cuomo has not yet set a date for the election.