Assembly Member Peter Abbatte Jr. (Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) said today he is endorsing incumbent 46th District Assembly Member Pamela Harris and City Council Member Mark Treyger for the vacant 46th AD Male Democratic District leader seat in the September primary.
The announcement comes as the Coney Island-based Harris is expecting a strong challenge from the Bay Ridge-based Kate Cucco. Teyger faces Bay Ridge-based Chris McCreight in what has a Coney Island versus Bay Ridge feel for control of the 46th AD.
“Why wouldn’t I support support Pam? She’s the incumbent assembly members, and I know Mark (Treyger) so I endorsed him and I’m also endorsing Dilia Schack (the female district leader),” said Abbate. “Mark would make a good district leader. He would work very hard for the Democratic Party just like Dilia.”
Knowledgable sources said that City Councilman Vincent Gentile will also support Harris. Kevin Peter Carroll, the 64th Assembly District Democratic Leader, which includes parts of Bay Ridge is also expected to endorse Harris, sources say.
Abbate’s support also fueled rumors that the veteran lawmaker is looking to end his 30-year run in the assembly and land in Gentile’s term-limited seat next year – a notion Abbatte would neither confirm or deny.
“Right now I’m just worrying about my re-election and busy doing my job as an assembly member,” said Abbate.
The endorsements will also ramp up the pressure up on the Bay Ridge Democrats political to show some political muscle. McCreight comes out of the club as does Justin Brannan, who is also expected to vie for Gentile’s seat next year.
If Abbate leaves the assembly for the city council, it would also open the door for an Pacific Asian-American to mount a challenge for the 49th Assembly District. Thus far, there are no Asian-American elected officials, despite the growing Pacific-Asian population in Southern Brooklyn.
