The incumbent Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato is facing a tight rematch against Republican challenger Tom Sullivan in a district covering Ozone Park, Howard Beach, and parts of the Rockaways. Many local voters are not paying much attention to the race, with some basing their votes on party lines or familiarity with the candidates’ names. Both campaigns are making final efforts to appeal to voters, with Sullivan expressing confidence in his increased recognition among voters. The election two years ago was extremely close, with Pheffer Amato winning by just 15 votes after a two-month recount.
In the upcoming election for the New York State Assembly seat in Queens, Incumbent Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Queens) is facing off against Republican challenger Tom Sullivan in a closely watched rematch. The race is drawing attention as Pheffer Amato barely held onto her seat by a margin of only 15 votes in the previous election.
The district covering Ozone Park, Howard Beach, and parts of the Rockaways is gearing up for another intense battle as both candidates make their final push to appeal to voters. The previous election took two months to recount and certify, highlighting the importance of every vote in this hotly contested race.
Local early voters have expressed varying levels of interest in the Assembly race, with some admitting they have paid little attention to it. Many voters are letting the names at the top of the ticket guide their choices on the ballot. However, both campaigns are actively engaging with voters at polling sites to secure their support.
Campaign volunteers like Barbara Gropper are urging voters to re-elect Pheffer Amato, highlighting her record of supporting the police, reproductive rights, and opposing migrant housing at Floyd Bennett Field. On the other hand, Sullivan is banking on increased recognition among voters this time around, emphasizing his perseverance and commitment to the community.
Some voters, like James Anzalone, have been swayed by Sullivan’s background as a military veteran and small business owner. Concerns about the economy and neighborhood safety, especially regarding migrants, are influencing voters’ decisions in this race. Party affiliations are also playing a role, with some choosing candidates based on political allegiance rather than individual platforms.
Despite differing levels of familiarity with the candidates, voters are casting their ballots based on a mix of factors such as immigration policies, law and order solutions, and party loyalty. It is clear that voters are approaching this election with a variety of perspectives and priorities, from supporting immigrants’ rights to maintaining law and order.
The race is also attracting attention from voters like Maria Calabrese, who based her decision on the candidate’s name. Calabrese’s choice reflects a mix of personal preferences and traditional values, showcasing the diverse considerations that voters take into account when selecting a candidate.
As the election day approaches, the candidates are making their final appeals to voters, hoping to secure their support and avoid a recount similar to the one in the previous election. Both Pheffer Amato and Sullivan are vying for every vote in what is expected to be a closely fought contest that will ultimately shape the future of the district and its representation in the State Assembly.
Source: TheCity.NYC
