Democratic District Leader Ari Espinal today received a trifecta of support as the Queens Democratic Party, the Working Families Party and the Women’s Equality Party all endorsed her bid for the open 39th District Assembly seat.
The seat opened up at the start of the year when former Assemblyman Francisco Moya took office in the City Council after winning a heated primary against disgraced ex-politician Hiram Monserrate last September to replace former Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, who retired to be closer to her family.
“The Queens Democratic Party is proud to support Ari Espinal to represent the 39th District in the Assembly. She is a dedicated community leader and activist who has worked throughout her career to serve others. Ari will be a fierce advocate for Queens families and I look forward to working with her,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, who also chairs the Queens Democratic Party.
A lifelong resident of the district, Espinal has served as a district leader for four years and has been an engaged civic leader and progressive activist for a decade. Espinal most recently served for seven years on Moya’s staff while he served in the Assembly.
“I am very proud to have the support of the Queens Democratic Party, the Working Families Party, and the Women’s Equality Party as I run for the Assembly. I have lived in Central Queens my entire life and I am ready to deliver for our community. Our local and state leaders are our first line of defense against the bigotry and hate coming out of Washington and I will protect our progressive values and support plans and initiatives that are good for all New Yorkers,” said Espinal.
The Democratic Party nod all but guarantees that Espinal will get elected in the April 24 special election as special elections only allow for one candidate per party to run.
However, Espinal is expected to face a more competitive challenge in the upcoming September Democratic primary when she will likely face off against Catalina Cruz, the former chief of staff for Ferreras-Copeland, and perhaps others.
The assembly district includes parts of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona.
