Challengers to State Legislators Announce Campaigns
November 26th, 2019
This week, announcements were made signaling intentions to challenge sitting members of the legislature. Among the members that will now have a race is Assemblyman Jeff Aubry from Queens. Hiram Monserrate, a former state senator who was removed from office for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction announced he would be challenging Aubry to a primary. Monserrate had previously sought and lost an Assembly seat following his expulsion from the Senate. Monserrate also lost a run for city council in 2017.
A democratic challenger to Senator Ken LaValle announced this week he would be seeking to represent the 1st Senate District. Thomas “Tommy John” Schiavoni, a Southampton Town Councilman from North Haven, a former teacher hopes to mount a competitive race. Senator LaValle has held the seat since 1976 and has not announced whether or not he will seek reelection. LaValle is also being challenged by Laura Ahearn, who has been endorsed by a number of labor unions.
Senator Rich Funke also picked up a challenge from a political newcomer. Samra Brouk, a board member of REACH – an advocacy group focused on homelessness – will seek the democratic nomination to run for the 55th Senate District.