Suozzi backs Nath in special election for Central Queens Council seat

Rep. Tom Suozzi (right) endorsed community leader Dilip Nath (left) in the race for Council District 24. Photo courtesy of Nath

By David Brand

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi has endorsed Dilip Nath in the crowded race for an open Central Queens Council seat.

Nath, a Bangladeshi immigrant and the president of the New American Voters Association, is one of eight candidates in the Feb. 2 special election for Council District 24. The race is New York City’s first test of ranked-choice voting.

Suozzi cited Nath’s work registering voters and increasing civic engagement among Queens residents as head of NAVA.

“This is the same commitment Dilip will bring to City Hall and help tackle the big problems facing New York City," Suozzi said. 

Nath has also received endorsements from former Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, Assemblymember Cathy Nolan, and State Sen. Roxanne Persaud.

The seven other candidates running to replace former Councilmember Rory Lancman include progressive organizer Moumita Ahmed, small business owner Deepti Sharma, Democratic District Leader Neeta Jain, Jamaica attorney Soma Syed, real estate agent Michael Earl Brown, community activist Mujib Rahman. 

Lancman’s predecessor Jim Gennaro is also running to reclaim his old seat.