Twice disgraced Queens pol is running for state Assembly

Monserrate led a rally for affordable housing at City Hall last year. Photo courtesy of Nos Quedamos Queens.

By David Brand

An ex-lawmaker who was kicked out of the State Senate for domestic violence and later convicted on public corruption charges stemming from his time in the City Council is seeking a third act, this time in the state Assembly.

Hiram Monserrate filed his campaign for Assembly District 35 with the Board of Elections on Tuesday. The seat is currently occupied by Jeffrion Aubry. 

Monserrate did not respond to multiple phone calls seeking comment for this story. Instead, a person called the Eagle and agreed to discuss the campaign committee only if he could be referred to as a “close friend” of Monserrate.

“He hasn’t made his decision yet, but he’s strongly considering it and he has opened a committee to try to raise money to see where things are,” the friend said. “He’s obligated by law to file a committee.”

The state senate voted to expel Monserrate in 2009 after he was convicted of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, for slashing his then-girlfriend in the face with a broken drinking glass.

In 2010, he pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges of mail fraud and conspiracy for using City Council funds to pay for campaign expenses. 

Monserrate mounted a run for the City Council in 2017 but lost the Democratic primary to Francisco Moya.

Moya praised Aubrey while blasting Monserrate for attempting yet another bid for public office. 

“A convicted domestic abuser and disgraced politician convicted of stealing taxpayer money wants to go after a man who is synonymous with the social justice movement in this state?” Moya said. “Assemblyman Jeff Aubry is a pillar of dignity and public service. This challenge is a joke.” 

Despite his history of violence and corruption, Monserrate continues to command a following in the Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights region he has represented in the Council and Senate. He was elected as a Queens district leader 2018 and is active with the organization Nos Quedamos Queens, which advocates for affordable housing and has opposed luxury development in Willets Point. 

Monserrate is also active in the East Elmhurst/Corona Democratic Club, which helped ensure Judge-elect Lumarie Maldonado Cruz obtained enough petition signatures to appear on the Democratic primary ballot in June. The club recently hosted a Queens Borough President candidates’ forum.

He recently appeared at a campaign event with Bronx Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary for New York’s 14th Congressional District.

A supporter at the event held a sign that read “Hiram 2020.”