Gov sets special election for vacant Assembly seat as Rosenthal endorses candidate
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Former Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal endorsed 25-year-old law school graduate Sam Berger in the open race for Rosenthal’s former Assembly seat. Governor Kathy Hochul called for a special election to fill the vacant seat on Monday, setting the election for Sept. 12. Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, Sam Berger for Assembly
By Ryan Schwach
In less than two months, Eastern Queens voters will head to the polls to cast their votes in the special election for Assembly District 27, the seat recently vacated by Daniel Rosenthal, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday
As per her legal obligation, Hochul called for a special election to fill the vacant seat on Monday, setting election day for Sept. 12. The election day officially launches the race to fill Rosenthal’s seat as he moves on to a governmental relations job with the UJA-Federation, a Jewish non-profit.
"With Daniel Rosenthal’s departure from the Assembly, a special election to ensure representation for the 27th District will be held in September," Hochul said. "I’m grateful for Daniel’s service to New York State as he embarks on a new journey, and I look forward to working with the next representative to deliver for New York."
The proclamation was signed by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado – Hochul was in California on Monday, the deadline for her to set an election date, and unable to make the proclamation herself.
On Monday, before Hochul made the election date official, Sam Berger, a young law school graduate, formally launched his campaign with the backing of his predecessor.
Berger, the son local district leader Paula Berger, announced his campaign via an email on Monday.
“I understand what our community wants, and more importantly, what it needs. We all share a common goal: to ensure the safety and welfare of our homes, schools, streets and families,' Berger said. "If you send me to Albany, I pledge to be your relentless advocate, tirelessly working to address the issues that matter most to you. As your representative, I will introduce legislation aimed at enhancing the well-being and quality of life in our neighborhoods. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.”
The St. John’s Law School graduate already has a leg up from whoever else may launch a bid for the open seat, receiving Rosenthal’s endorsement so early in the shortened campaign.
"I am proud to endorse Sam Berger for Assembly District 27, and I am confident in his ability to advocate for the best interests of our constituents," Rosenthal said in a statement to the Eagle. "His passion, dedication, and knowledge will undoubtedly serve our community well. Sam is a devoted father, an advocate, and a proud product of the very community he aspires to serve.”
"His personal and professional experiences equip him with the knowledge and passion needed to be an outstanding representative for our district,” he added.
Berger said he is “deeply honored” to receive the endorsement.
“[Rosenthal’s] dedication to our community and commitment to public service have been exemplary, and I am grateful to have his support,” he said. “I stand ready to continue his progress and work tirelessly to represent the people of Assembly District 27.”
Other names have circulated in relation to the race, including JFK Democratic Club President Jeff Kohn, who declined to comment on Monday. Last week, his club called for support for the local political leader.
Stefano Forte, a campaign manager for Councilmember Vickie Paladino and former Republican State Senate candidate in the area, said he would not be running for the seat after his name was circulated as a potential candidate.
Queens Republican Party leaders told Politico that they are screening candidates this week.
David Hirsch, a rabbi and local leader, is rumored to be in the running for the Republican nomination.
Trip Yang, a Democratic strategist, anticipates the race will be a fascinating one to watch because of the district’s potential to flip from Democratic to Republican.
“This is a big race, people don’t realize how big this race is,” he said. “This district voted for Biden, has a lot more registered Democrats than Republicans, yet voted for Lee Zeldin by double digits.”
Yang calls it a classic swing district, which is chiefly Democratic but is also represented in part by Republicans Vickie Paladino and George Santos, and says the two main voter blocs that make up the district are historically toss up voters.
“Asian American voters and Orthodox Jewish voters have a history of ticket splitting, voting one party at the top of the ticket and another party more locally,” he said.
“It's a rare toss up general election in New York City – not rare in Eastern Queens, of course,” he added.
