State Senate Candidate Andrew Gounardes picked up a key endorsement from the local Assemblyman yesterday.
Gounardes, who is running against Ross Barkan to earn the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) picked up the endorsement from Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate Jr. (D- Borough Park, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurstett). Abbate is the first elected official to endorse a Democratic candidate in the race.
Abbate said he believes Gounardes is the right candidate to bring change to the Senate. Areas of Abbate’s 49th district intersect with the 22nd State Senate District.
“I am proud to endorse Andrew Gounardes for State Senate because it’s clear he has a vision for change, and the know-how to get results up in Albany,” Abbate said.
Abbate has been in the assembly since 1986. He said his previous experience in seeing Gounardes work in the community lead to his decision to endorse Gounardes.
“We need to elect more candidates like Andrew up in Albany who had the dedication to help all the diverse communities of South Brooklyn,” Abbate said, “From his last race up until now, I have witnessed Andrew exemplify the spirit of public service and continue to give back to his community. Now it’s time we all help him.”
Gounardes adds the endorsement from Abbate to a list of endorsements he has received from political organizations spread across South Brooklyn. Previous endorsements include the Brooklyn Young Democrats, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, the Chair of the Kings County Democrats and Run for Something.
“This is a great start,” he said. “I’m excited to add more endorsements to my campaign and build the kind of grassroots momentum that can carry us to a truly significant victory for Brooklyn and New York.”
But Gounardes said Abbate’s endorsement means a lot to him because his public service was admirable.
“Peter Abbate is one of the most respected public officials in Brooklyn,” Gounardes said. “He’s served this community for over 30 years. I am honored not only to have his support, but also the strong example he provides of what a civil servant should be.”
A victory in the 22nd district could further help swing the New York State Senate back to Democratic control. Gounardes says he understands the importance of the possible shift.
“This election matters. I’m giving it everything I have,” he said.
