By Joe Anuta
The Queens Democratic Party endorsed state Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) in the race for the congressional seat left vacant after U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside) unexpectedly announced his retirement last week, but she already has some competition.
Meng’s office was set to release a statement later Monday about the endorsement, but state Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) also announced he will run without the county’s support. He has scheduled a formal announcement for 3 p.m. Monday.
Lancman had announced just the opposite last week. On Thursday, after chatting with Ackerman at the congressman’s home, Lancman released a statement indicating that he would not run against his fellow Democrat in a primary for the 6th Congressional District seat.
But hours later, Ackerman unexpectedly announced his retirement, indicating that his last day in office will be Jan. 2.
Lancman’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
