Tom Duane, first openly gay state senator, backs Van Bramer in Queens BP race
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Former State Sen. Tom Duane (second from left) endorsed Jimmy Van Bramer (left) in the race for Queens borough president. The two lawmakers have worked together on LGBTQ rights issues for decades. Photo courtesy of Van Bramer campaign
By David Brand
The first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the New York state senate is backing Jimmy Van Bramer in the race for Queens borough president.
Former Manhattan State Sen. Tom Duane said Van Bramer, who could become the first gay man elected borough president, has long demonstrated his commitment to “fighting for equality and justice for all.” He cited Van Bramer’s formation of the first Gay Student Group at St. John’s University’s in 1992 as an early example of that work.
“Like Jimmy, I grew up and cut my teeth in Queens politics, and he has always been a voice for marginalized communities even before COVID,” said Duane, who grew up in Queens before representing Manhattan in the city council and state senate. “The status quo just won't cut it anymore, we need Jimmy's empathetic and tenacious voice advocating for working families.”
Van Bramer formally announced his bid for borough president Jan. 19, less than two months after new Borough President Donovan Richards took office following his special election victory last year.
Richards is forced to defend the seat in June because he was elected in November 2020 to finish former Borough President Melinda Katz’s term, which ends this year. Former Queens Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley said she is also considering a run for borough president after finishing second to Richards in the 2020 primary.
Van Bramer, a Western Queens councilmember, entered the race with $384,210 in his campaign account, according to a financial disclosure report published earlier this month. Richards has more than $114,000 remaining in his account.
Van Bramer initially ran for borough president last year before dropping out of the race in January to care for his mother who has dementia and was in poor health.
He has aligned with the progressives in his district and across New York City, and he credited Duane with helping to spur the modern progressive movement through early LGBTQ rights advocacy and a trailblazing political career.
“I’m proud to have Senator Duane’s support as we fight for a Queens that works for all of us — that fight could not be more significant than it is right now, and it would not be possible without Senator Duane’s years of breaking barriers,” he said.
