Van Bramer announces bid for borough president

Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer announced his candidacy for Queens Borough President. Eagle file photo by Andy Katz.

By David Brand

Western Queens Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer has announced his candidacy for Queens Borough President. The election is in 2021.

Current Borough President Melinda Katz is term-limited at the end of 2021, but would vacate the position earlier if she wins the race for Queens District Attorney. Katz is running in the Democratic primary for Queens DA on June 25.

Van Bramer announced his candidacy on Twitter Wednesday with a link to his campaign fundraising website.

“I’ve got exciting news to share & I want to share it with you first,” he tweeted. “On May 5th, I plan to announce that I am officially running for #Queens Borough President! Please join me & my husband Dan for this history-making moment.”

Though a Katz win in the DA race would open up the borough presidency, Van Bramer has endorsed public defender Tiffany Cabán for the office. He took issue with an Eagle reporter’s tweet pointing out these conflicting interests.

“I just don’t get this political analysis at all,” Van Bramer said. “I want [Cabán] to win and I am preparing for a 2021 race when she does. It is never too early to plan, organize and fundraise in politics. Period.”