Cuomo cancels Queens BP special election
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Photo courtesy of Gov. Cuomo’s Office
UPDATE 4/27 @ 5:50 p.m.: Added statements from candidates on the decision.
UPDATE 4/28 @ 10:52 p.m.: Added statement from candidate Anthony Miranda.
By Victoria Merlino and David Brand
The Queens borough president special election is canceled, according to an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Friday night.
The order dictates that the position will be filled during the primary election instead.
The move sorts out some confusion surrounding the primary and the special election which were both scheduled to occur on June 23 based on a previous Cuomo order. The executive order is bad news for former Queens prosecutor Jim Quinn, who only petitioned to run in the special election.
The executive order “disenfranchises Republicans, Conservatives and independents” who will be shut out of the primary,” he said.
“The voters of Queens have been subjected to confusing, vague and legally questionable edicts surrounding this election since the pandemic began,” Quinn said in a statement. “The protection of our democracy must endure no matter the challenges, and there is no good reason why this election couldn’t have been conducted in a way that protects public health and the rights of voters.”
He could still run as a Republican in the general election if he changes party affiliation to Republican and takes the line through a maneuver called Wilson-Pakula. Quinn did not respond to a phone call seeking information.
Tech entrepreneur Dao Yin was also angry with Cuomo.
“The residents of Queens can thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo for ensuring that they continue to have no voice while the Coronavirus continues to devastate our immigrant and minority communities in Queens,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, former councilmember Elizabeth Crowley said that she supported Cuomo’s decision in a conversation with the Eagle.
"I respect the governor, I think he has been a strong leader during this pandemic. And if he wants to do it a traditional way, I support it,” she said. Crowley argued that people shouldn’t have to leave their house to vote, and that the state should be moving toward voting by mail.
The switch from a special election to a primary and a general election is confusing, however, Crowley said.
"It kind of resets the campaign and you start from zero. It's confusing back and forth to try to stay within the regulations of the government agencies that you have to stay within,” she said.
Retired NYPD sergeant Anthony Miranda disagreed the decision to cancel the special election, and denounced the confusion that he argues has clouded this election.
He called on Cuomo and de Blasio to clarify everything that is happening with the race.
“Right now they’re trying to empower local political machines,” he said.
Councilmembers Costa Constantinides and Donovan Richards are also still in the running.
In mid-April, Mayor Bill de Blasio requested that Cuomo have the borough president election proceed as a special election only, forgoing a primary and a general. De Blasio suggested the winner of the special election serve out the remainder of the term instead.
The original date of the special election was canceled due to concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic. Early voting for that race had already begun before getting cut short.
Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee released a statement following the news, reiterating her commitment to the position as the elections continue.
"This is an extraordinary time. The Borough President's Office, however, remains open, operational and fully committed to serving the constituents of Queens," Lee said. "I made a commitment to represent and serve the people and families of Queens, to the best of my ability and for as long as necessary, and this commitment still stands.
