Governor Andrew Cuomo officially threw his support behind Andrew Gounardes, the Democratic candidate for the 22nd State Senate District earlier today.
Cuomo endorsed Gounardes at the iconic Stars and Stripes Democratic Club, 7321 15th Avenue in Bensonhurst, to a packed house of supporters.
“This election matters, all elections matter. This one really, really matters and people really get it. This is not about politics, this is not about Democratic or Republican, donkey or an elephant. This is way beyond that, this is a conversation, this is a discussion about who we are as a people. This is about basic principles,about fairness, about opportunity,” said Cuomo.
Gounardes is in a competitive race to oust incumbent Republican State Senator Marty Golden, who has represented the district for 15 years. Golden, currently the only Brooklyn GOP State Senator in the New York State Legislature, is running in a current political climate in which the Dems are looking to take majority in the Senate, which would give them control of both chambers.
The diverse district includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, Manhattan Beach, and parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park and Midwood.
“As Donald Trump and extreme conservatives threaten New York, Democrats are going to rise up, fight back and move forward together, and it begins with taking back the State Senate,” said Cuomo.
“There is no better candidate to help us take back the Senate than Andrew Gounardes. Andrew is a talented and dedicated public servant from South Brooklyn. He was there for you in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, he is dedicated to securing funding for the MTA, he is an advocate for life-saving speed cameras and gun reform legislation,” the governor added.
Ironically enough, Cuomo visited the area almost 32 years to the date that his late father, former NYS Governor Mario Cuomo held a similar rally for then-Democratic candidate for the 49th Assembly District, Peter Abbate, who then went on to oust the last remaining Republican from the State Assembly.
Cuomo is hoping history will repeat itself as Gounardes goes into his final month before facing Golden in the general election next month. This is the second time the young politico is facing Golden, having lost to him in 2012.
“They call it a blue wave, I don’t like the expression the ‘Blue Wave’ because it suggests that it’s Democrats that are offended. It’s not just Democrats, do you know how many Republicans come up to me everyday and say I am ashamed of what this president is doing? This is a Red, White and Blue Wave, an American wave, that wants to take their country back,” added Cuomo.
Gounardes is hoping to take his momentum all the way to Albany as he fights for women’s rights, school speed cameras, universal healthcare, gun safety laws and other measures.
“I am honored to have Governor Cuomo’s endorsement in my campaign, and I look forward to working together with you [Cuomo] and our Democratic State Senate in making a real difference in the lives of all New Yorkers. Marty Golden and Senate Republicans have embraced the hateful and harmful rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration and are wildly out of touch with the values of this community,” said Gounardes.
The general election is Nov. 6.
