Councilman Peter Koo is one step closer to a third term representing Flushing.
The incumbent candidate edged out challenger Alison Tan — a managing director at a real estate capital advisory firm, Community Board 7 member and wife of Assemblyman Ron Kim — in the Sept. 12 Democratic primary. Koo received 57.9 percent, or 3,657 votes, while Tan received 41.67 percent, or 2,632 votes, according to the Board of Elections website.
The self-proclaimed “Mayor of Flushing” was first elected to the seat in 2009.
At the Good Kitchen Seafood Restaurant in downtown Flushing, Koo addressed reporters and campaign supporters in the wake of the news.
“I’m so proud and excited to be re-elected as City Council member for District 20 and to have the opportunity to continue to serve the Queens and Flushing communities,” Koo said. “This was a spirited race and I wish my opponent luck in her future endeavors and work with the community.”
Despite progress, the Councilman continued, there is “still work to be done.”
“We were able to make a lot of positive changes within our communities,” he said. “But downtown Flushing if overcrowded, and we must do more to address the sanitary issues in our streets and the environmental concerns in our waterways.”
“From our youngest citizens to our oldest, we can be doing more to improve quality of life for all,” he continued.
Koo then thanked his supporters, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Congressman and Queens County Democratic Party Chair Joe Crowley, and his wife and two children.
“I will do my best to continue fighting for you at City Council,” he closed.
“Going against the establishment is always a tough endeavor, but clearly our message resonated with the voters,” Alison Tan said in a statement. “I am incredibly humbled to have received the support of more than 2,600 hardworking men and women who believed in our campaign to improve the quality of life in Flushing for all of its residents. I congratulate Mr. Koo on his re-election, and I look forward to continuing to serve my community and my city.”
The general election takes place on Nov. 7.
