Queens Democrats have endorsed a City Council staffer to run for the late Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz’s seat, which represents areas of Whitestone, College Point, Fresh Meadows and Kew Gardens.
The Democratic Organization of Queens County has formally nominated Daniel Rosenthal for the 27th Assembly District. The seat was left vacant after Simanowitz’s untimely passing earlier this month at the age of 45; Simanowitz had represented the district since 2011. A special election to fill the seat will be held on Election Day, Nov. 7.
Rosenthal, who lives with his family in Kew Gardens Hills, serves as the District Director for Councilman Rory Lancman. Much of the 27th Assembly District overlaps Lancman’s City Council District, and in serving the City Council member, Rosenthal has gained experience working with the area’s groups, civics, nonprofit organizations and constituents.
“I am running to serve in the 27th Assembly District to continue the work that defined Mike Simanowitz’s public service: strong advocacy on the issues that matter to all our neighbors, dedicated constituent services, and a commitment to making our community a better place to live,” Rosenthal said. “I am excited at the prospect of representing our part of Queens in the state Assembly. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to meeting with families, community leaders and local businesses to discuss how we can work together to build on Mike’s many achievements.”
The candidate highlights his efforts to organize the opposition against bus lanes on Main Street, advocate for the completion of the Kew Gardens Hills Library and represent the community on the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Community Advisory Board as evidence he is committed to the area’s quality of life. Rosenthal also recently helped secure additional sanitation services in Briarwood.
“Queens Democrats are thrilled to formally nominate Daniel Rosenthal to be our party’s candidate in the 27th Assembly District,” said organization chairman and Congressman Joe Crowley. “Daniel represents the best and the brightest in our party. He has a deep and unwavering passion for public service, and has spent years working in this community to improve the lives of its residents. I know Daniel will serve the people of the 27th Assembly District with the same dignity, honor and commitment that Mike Simanowitz did.”
