AOC, Nydia Velázquez endorse JGR as race to replace her in Assembly heats up
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Things are heating up in races for State Senate and State Assembly in Western Queens. Eagle file photo by Noah Powelson
By Ryan Schwach
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas received endorsements from Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez on Monday as the race to replace her in the Assembly also heated up after over the weekend.
The two notable endorsements for her campaign against State Senator Jessica Ramos come as things get complicated in the race to succeed her, with Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani reportedly weighing in.
“I’m deeply honored to have the support of two trailblazing Latinas — Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez — who have long been champions for working families and a more just and equitable Queens,” González-Rojas said in a statement. “We are fighting for the rights and lives of all New Yorkers.”
“With the partnership of Congressmembers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez, I know we have the power, intelligence, and drive to push through at every level to protect the rights of our neighbors and deliver real results,” she added.
In their own statements, AOC and Velázquez lauded JGR’s work in Albany as a legislator.
“As a legislator, Jessica González-Rojas has fiercely fought for her community, and as a leader, she has made strides in transforming the way politics are done,” said Velázquez.
Their endorsements, albeit notable, are unsurprising.
Both endorsed Mamdani for mayor, and AOC has long-standing political beef with Ramos, who has criticized the congressional representative for not being present in her Queens and Bronx district.
“We need a fighter in Albany who won’t flinch when it comes to standing up for New Yorkers, and for the future of Queens,” said AOC.
Ramos has yet to file a reelection campaign. She soured with the progressive wing of the party after she endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor when her own bid for Grace Mansion failed to gain traction.
With González-Rojas leaving her Assembly seat to seek office in the higher chamber, the race to fill the spot has begun to heat up.
The only person currently filed to run is Brian Romero, JGR’s longtime chief of staff who currently serves in that role in State Senator Kristen Gonzalez’s office.
Romero, who has his former boss’ support, is being challenged by activist Aber Kawas.
Both are members of the Democratic Socialists of America, and both are currently seeking the organization’s endorsement.
Kawas received overwhelming backing from citywide DSA members in support of her campaign, last week, the first step to getting the progressive group’s endorsement.
On Monday, the Daily News reported that an advisor to Mamdani said the mayor-elect may support Kawas, but no official endorsement was made.
“People are excited for me, and they are looking forward to supporting me,” Romero told the Eagle. “The forum was one step of the entire endorsement process. This isn't done just yet.”
“I believe strongly, not just in my experience, but in my vision for what the district could be,” he added.
Kawas said in a text to the Eagle that Mamdani has not officially endorsed her but “has been supportive” of her candidacy.
“I will continue to pursue NYC-DSA's endorsement as I intend to run as a DSA candidate,” she said.
