Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is putting his thumb on the scale in the three-way race to replace Councilman Eric Ulrich representing the 32nd Council District, which is currently the only Republican-held seat in the borough.
Richards endorsed Felicia Singh, the Democratic nominee in what is widely considered to be the most competitive race in New York City. Her opponents are Republican nominee Joann Ariola, the chair of the Queens County GOP, and Community Board 9 Chairman Kenichi Wilson, who is running on the Community First third-party line this November.
“We need a leader in the City Council that will be ready on day one to fight to ensure the voters of the 32nd Council District are getting their fair share of educational resources, getting infrastructure upgrades and getting a just COVID recovery,” Richards said. “I am supporting Felicia because I know she’ll put the needs of people over politics.”
In the 2020 Queens borough president race, Richards defeated Ariola, who ran unopposed as a Republican. She conceded after Richards captured more than two-thirds of the vote.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. We share the priorities of supporting our working-class neighbors, and addressing root and systemic causes of struggle and suffering in our communities,” Singh said. “I’m proud of the coalition we’ve built during the primary, and I’m excited about how it continues to grow.”
Singh is an Ozone Park educator and daughter of working-class immigrants, and a lifelong resident of District 32.
In addition to leading the Queens County GOP, Ariola is a longtime civic leader in Howard Beach and Wilson is running as an Independent in the race to represent the neighborhoods of Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park and Woodhaven.
“The latest census data confirms continued growth and change in Queens, especially in Indo-Caribbean, Latino, Punjabi and Bangladeshi communities,” Singh said. “If I’m elected, I would be the first woman to represent the district, the first Punjabi and Guyanese person, as well as my identities as a Sikh and Muslim person. It’s time for District 32 to have a Council member who shares and truly understands the struggles of working-class and immigrant New Yorkers. This community raised me, and I will fight for us in City Hall.”
