By Bill Parry
Costa Constantinides captured the 22nd City Council District in Astoria, where he was born and raised. Considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, Constantinides is known as a community organizer and district leader with deep connections, having served on the staffs of several Council members, most recently as deputy chief of staff for James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows).
With 40 percent of the vote counted, Constantinides captured 67.9 percent, according to preliminary results from the Associated Press. Green Party candidate Lynne Serpe had 12.7 percent, Republican Party candidate Daniel Peterson had 11.1 percent, Conservative Party candidate Danielle De Stefano had 7.9 and Populist Party Candidate Jerry Kann had 0.5 percent.
Constantinides will take over the seat held by two generations of Vallones, outgoing Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. and his father, Peter Vallone Sr.
After winning the Democratic primary with 56 percent of the vote, Constantanides gathered endorsements from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, U.S. Reps. Joseph Crowley (D-Woodside) and Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria), local leaders, political clubs and labor.
The district covers Astoria, Long Island City and parts of Jackson Heights.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
