An Astoria technology professional is eyeing a Borough Hall run as a Republican, making the race for borough president a little tighter.
Aurelio “Tony” Arcabascio confirmed his candidacy and expects to receive county endorsement soon.
Arcabascio, who ran his own technology company for 13 years, made his debut in the political world last year when he ran an unsuccessful race against State Senator Michael Gianaris for District 12.
Now, looking to represent the whole borough, Arcabascio said he wants to bring his experience as the only non-elected official to the table.
“I haven’t been caught up in politics for my whole career,” he esaid.
A product of Jackson Heights, Arcabascio, 52, will face one of six Democrats vying for the spot: Councilmembers Leroy Comrie and Peter Vallone Jr., State Senators Jose Peralta and Tony Avella, former Councilmember and former Assemblymember Melinda Katz and former Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik.
The Dems will face off in a September 10 primary.
Arcabascio, who nabbed the GOP endorsement for Senate last year, expects to pick it back up for borough president. Queens Republican chair Phil Ragusa said the candidate is going through the screening process for the endorsement, and a formal announcement should come soon.
With his background in technology, Arcabascio said he is open to bringing more of the industry’s jobs to the borough, especially in western areas such as Long Island City and Maspeth.
“We have a lot of empty factories in Queens,” he said. “One of the things I believe would be my responsibility as the number one cheerleader for Queens is to get businesses here.”
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