By Joe Anuta
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) dropped out of the race for Queens borough president, he announced in a statement Wednesday.
“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the Queens borough president race. This was certainly not an easy decision, and I am eternally grateful for the overwhelming amount of support I received from people throughout Queens,” he said. “Queens is my home borough and I will never stop fighting and advocating for all residents of Queens. Yet, at this time, I believe I can best serve the people of Queens by remaining a state senator.”
Avella’s exit whittles the Democratic field down to two competitors: former state Assemblywoman Melinda Katz and City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria).
Politicos had largely predicted Avella and Vallone would be competing for votes in the Sept. 10 primary, meaning that the senator’s withdrawal bodes well for the Vallone campaign.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
