Daniel Rosenthal likely running for Lancman’s Council seat

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Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal. Photo via State Assembly

Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal. Photo via State Assembly

By David Brand

Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal will likely run for his former boss Rory Lancman’s soon-to-be-vacant Queens Council seat, according to people close to the state lawmaker.

Rosenthal, who served as Lancman’s district director before launching his own bid for public office in 2017, said he is focused on his role in the Assembly but did not rule out running in Council District 24.

He won the Assembly District 27 seat in a special election following the death of Michael Simanowitz and took office in November 2017.  Political insiders point out that Rosenthal is the father of a newborn, which may motivate him to run for city office and remain close to home.

Seven other candidates have already filed with the Board of Elections to run in District 24, including former three-term Councilmember Jim Gennaro, who is seeking to win back his old seat in November 2021.

The field also features progressive activist Moumita Ahmed, attorney Stanley Arden, Democratic District Leader Neeta Jain, higher education executive Dilip Nath, small business owner Deepti Sharma and Judicial Delegate Mohammed Uddin.

The wide-open election could take place earlier than expected.

Lancman may leave the council before his term ends to take a job in state government, City & State reported. He did not respond to requests for comment.

An early departure from the council would initiate a special election to fill the vacancy within 80 days.

Whether the election takes place in November 2021 or earlier, the field of candidates vying to replace Lancman reflects the racial, ethnic and income diversity of Central Queens’ District 24, which covers Kew Gardens, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood and several other neighborhoods, including part of Jamaica.

It features large South Asian, Orthodox Jewish and Latino populations and includes various NYCHA residences as well as wealthy enclaves with large single-family homes.