Two Candidates Get Big Name Endorsements in Quest for Western Queens Assembly Seat

Candidates Juan Ardila and Johanna Carmona (courtesy of the candidates)

April 25, 2022 By Christian Murray

Two candidates jogging for the District 37^th Assembly seat obtained major name endorsements in excess of the weekend.

Johanna Carmona was endorsed by Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, though Juan Ardila received the backing of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Meeks, who is the chairman of the Queens Democrats, made the announcement Sunday and describes Carmona as becoming “a daughter of Queens” who is committed to “progressive and frequent-perception legislation” that will improve the quality of lifetime for citizens in the district.

“I am happy and excited to endorse Johanna Carmona for New York Condition Assembly, representing Ridgewood, Lengthy Island Metropolis, Sunnyside, Blissville, Woodside, and Maspeth in Albany,” Meeks mentioned.

Johanna Carmona and Gregory Meeks

“Johanna has the true-world knowledge and street smarts Queens citizens want. She has labored on behalf of to start with responders on 9/11 payment, stood shoulder to shoulder with survivors of sexual assault and child abuse, and performed a vital role in bringing local police officers and local community customers jointly to make Western Queens safer.”

The announcement follows on from two other current endorsements she has secured—with Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, who represents the Forest Hills place, and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, who represents the Upper West Facet of Manhattan, each backing her campaign.

Carmona, a lifelong Sunnyside resident, also has the assist of the incumbent Catherine Nolan, who is not trying to get reelection, and the Ridgewood Democratic Club.

Carmona, a attorney who was an assistant district attorney in the exclusive victims device with the Kings County District Attorney’s business from 2017-2000, has the backing of average Democrats and the celebration establishment.

The announcement of the Meeks’ endorsement comes at the same time that Ardila announced that he has been endorsed by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Jessica Ramos, Juan Ardila, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Donovan Richards and Catalina Cruz (L-R) at a campaign occasion for Ardila previously this month (Instagram @juanardilanyc)

“Juan Ardila has constantly been a passionate advocate for the local community,” Richards stated in a statement. “He is a leader who understands the require for defending tenants, growing health care and fixing the local climate disaster right here in Queens. I’m excited to guidance Juan for Assembly due to the fact I know he will be a solid winner for progress in Albany.”

Ardila has the backing of many still left-wing Democrats, such as Point out Sen. Jessica Ramos, Council Customers Tiffany Cabán and Jennifer Gutiérrez, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, the Working Families Bash, New York Immigration Action, Make the Highway Motion amid other folks.

Ardila is a staffer at the Legal Aid Modern society and formerly worked for then-Metropolis Councilmember Brad Lander, who is now Comptroller.

Brent O’Leary (Michael Dorgan, Queens Article)

Brent O’Leary, a Prolonged Island Metropolis resident and lawyer who is also vying for the seat, stated that he has not been endorsed by get together leaders or still left-wing Democrats.

“I am proud to point out we are NOT backed by the county democratic equipment nor the extremist left,” O’Leary stated in a statement.

“I am a commonsense Democrat with common sense alternatives to our mounting crime and failing college program. Our marketing campaign is not pushing extremist, out of touch tips nor are we beholden to the interests of the nearby machines,” O’Leary reported.

O’Leary has been endorsed by the 504 Democratic Club—which represents Democrats with disabilities— and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce which fights for small corporations.

In the meantime, Jim Magee, a lifelong Sunnyside resident and attorney who is also operating, has been endorsed by the New York State Courtroom Officers Union.