After incumbent State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) announced his intention to seek another term this week, his opponents are looking for ways to steal momentum from Golden.
Democrats Ross Barkan and Andrew Gounardes, the two candidates who are running for the chance to defeat Golden in November, each drawing attention to their respective campaigns through announcements of endorsement and a response to Golden’s reelection bid.
Barkan responded to Golden’s campaign launch with an attack on Golden’s history in the senate. He said Golden has a history of fighting for big money interests instead of his constituents.
“Marty Golden made it official: he wants another term in the State Senate to keep fighting for the billionaire real estate developers, predatory landlords, Wall Street tycoons, and every single beneficiary of New York’s culture of corruption,” Barkan said.
If either Barkan or Gounardes was elected to the seat Golden fills, it could be a step in shifting control of the Senate back to the Democrats, which Barkan said is essential for fighting against the agenda of the Trump administration.
“Golden, a proud supporter of Donald Trump, does not represent the values of this district. While he has been out impersonating a police officer, claiming the 9/11 hijackers came from Bay Ridge, and blocking speed cameras in school zones years after running over a woman with his SUV, the people of Southern Brooklyn have been suffering,” Barkan said.
Barkan said there are enough problems in the district that need to be focused on, and instead of working to make the every day lives of the residents of his district better, Golden is focusing on those who aren’t part of the community.
“Our schools are overcrowded, our property taxes are going up, and our transportation system is melting down. Golden sits on the MTA Capital Review Board and just does not care,” Barkan said. “He does not know how to fight for his constituents. While he continues to fail us, our campaign has been crisscrossing the 22nd District actually listening to residents. Our progressive message of inclusion and change is resonating everywhere and we are confident that come November, we will retire Marty Golden.”
On the other side of the race, Gounardes picked up his 8th endorsement with a nod from Vincent Gentile, the former state senator and city councilmember. Gentile said he admires Gounardes affinity for serving the people of Brooklyn.
“I have known Andrew since the start of his career,” Gentile said. “I have witnessed firsthand his passion, his dedication, his love for Brooklyn. I know from experience that it takes a special kind of person to make a difference in Albany, and Andrew is that kind of person. He is one of our bright future leaders who can make this city a better place for all.”
Gentile said that a Gounardes victory would be important in turning the tides of the agenda of the Senate in Albany.
“If Andrew wins, the Democrats can finally regain control of the State Senate. That would be a huge deal, it would allow us to start making real progress again. And Andrew would be one of the driving forces behind it.”
Gounardes was humbled to receive the endorsement from a person he admires.“To have such incredible advocates at this early stage of the campaign is humbling,” Gounardes said. “I can’t wait to see this list continue to grow as we build momentum this summer.”
Previous endorsements Gounardes has secured are from Assemblyman Peter Abbate, the Brooklyn Young Democrats, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, the Chair of the Kings County Democrats and Run for Something, Stars & Stripes Democratic Club and the Southern Brooklyn Democrats.
The Democratic State Primary is Sept. 13. The general election is Nov. 6.
