State Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, parts of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, Midwood), today conceded defeat to State Sen. Elect Andrew Gounardes (D).
First elected in 2002 to the state senate after serving four years in the city council, Golden authored over 222 laws, including a good number, in which he was a prime sponsor. He also earned a reputation of carrying bills for Brooklyn Democratic senators from other neighborhoods that helped their districts when the Dems were in the minority in the chamber. Most of the bills had to do with public safety, tax cuts, economic development, and senior citizen issues.
“As the Board of Elections completes its final count of this year’s close election, I congratulate Andrew Gounardes and wish him well in his service to the people of the 22nd State Senate District,” said Golden.
“On many levels, I am so proud of what I have accomplished for my City, my State and the neighbors I have been honored to represent. I fully embraced the awesome responsibility entrusted by the people who elected me. I strove each and everyday to make a positive difference for someone.
“Although we came up just short this election, I am grateful my career in public service has been full of much success as a police officer and as an elected official. As I think of the future, my supporters, neighbors and friends can be sure that I will still always look for opportunities to make our neighborhoods an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” he added.
Following Golden’s concession statement, Gounardes issued his own.
“Now that the election is over, I am grateful to people of Southern Brooklyn for their support and humbled by their trust in me to be our community’s voice in Albany. I look forward to going to Albany to fight for affordable health care, a livable wage, a world-class education system, pedestrian safety, an MTA that is reliable, accessible, and accountable to all, and equal protections for all of our citizens,” said Gounardes.
“In the days since the election, my team and I have worked closely with Democratic leadership and my colleagues in the State Senate to ensure that I’m ready to hit the ground running. I look forward to coordinating with Senator Golden on a smooth transition between now and January so that our community can come together and move forward,” he added.
