Moya backs Henriquez for his seat

Councilmember Francisco Moya backed Yanna Henriquez (right) to succeed him in the council. Photo via Councilmember Francisco Moya/X

By Ryan Schwach

Queens City Councilmember Francincso Moya endorsed Yanna Henriquez in the four-way Democratic primary race to succeed him.

The term-limited Corona councilmember made the long-awaited endorsement on Monday, backing Henriquez in the race for District 21 over progressive Erycka Montoya and organizer Shanel Thomas-Henry.

“As I look to the future of the neighborhood I've called home my whole life, there's only one person who will continue the work I've done: Yanna Henriquez,” Moya wrote on X. “I've known and worked with Yanna to improve our community for over 25 years. She has the integrity, vision, and courage our community deserves. I know that in office, she will fight for the district just as I have- prioritizing our quality of life, schools, and affordable housing.”

Henriquez, who is also backed by the Queens Democratic Party, and Moya are both local district leaders and have worked closely together.

Her old campaign site, before it recently came offline, featured images of the two together at public events in recent years.

"I am incredibly honored to have the support of Council Member Francisco Moya," said Henriquez in a statement. "Francisco has been a trailblazer and champion for our communities, and I'm grateful for his trust in me. Together, we will continue the fight for affordable housing, quality schools, and economic opportunity for all."

Moya was the final big name who had yet to weigh in on the race.

Other local electeds, Jessica González-Rojas and Catalina Cruz both backed the Working Families Party-supported Montoya.

Henriquez has raised less money than Montoya and Thomas-Henry, but raised the second most behind Thomas-Henry in the last fundraising cycle.

The fourth candidate in the race, David Aiken, lags all three of the candidates in fundraising and endorsements.