Aubry expands big lead over Monserrate in Queens Assembly race

Assemblymember Jeff Aubry expanded his big lead over Hiram Monserrate in the Democratic primary in District 35. AP Photo/Mike Groll

By David Brand

With nearly all absentee ballots counted, veteran Assemblymember Jeff Aubry has expanded his large lead over challenger Hiram Monserrate in the Democratic primary for Queens’ Assembly District 35.

Aubry has received 5,186 votes, or about 65 percent of the total, according to unofficial results shared with the Eagle. Monserrate, an ex-state senator and councilmember, had received 2,759 votes.

Some absentee ballots have yet to be counted, but Aubry declared victory Tuesday.

“The voters of the 35th District have spoken with overwhelming numbers,” said Aubry, who was first elected to represent Corona, Elmhurst and LeFrak City in 1992. “I am humbled and eager to continue the work of the people.”

The Board of Elections has not yet certified the results.

Aubry managed to build on his primary day lead during the absentee count despite reports that the Queens District Attorney’s Office was investigating potential mail-in ballot improprieties by Monserrate’s campaign staff.

During his political career, Monserrate has been convicted of a domestic violence-related misdemeanor as well as public corruption charges, for which he served two years in federal prison. He has nevertheless remained popular among some voters, including members of his East Elmhurst Corona Democratic Club, and won a race for a district leader position in 2018.

Monserrate did not respond to a phone call for this story.