QUEENS — With City Councilman Leroy Comrie forced out of office due to term limits, six Democrats are vying to replace him, including a labor union head, political insiders and the founder of a local non-profit.
Comrie, who represents the Council Dictrict 27, which includes Jamaica, St. Albans, Hollis, Cambria Heights and portions of Queens Village, Rosedale, and Springfield Gardens, endorsed I. Daneek Miller, president of the Queens chapter of the Amalgamated Transportation Union.
Miller was also backed by a number of unions, including 1199 SEIU, Transport Workers Union Local 100 and 32BJ SEIU.
One of his rivals, Manuel Caughman, who has worked as a community liaison for state Assemblyman William Scarborough (D-St. Albans), has been endorsed by the Queens County Democratic Party.
Also running are Joan Flowers, an attorney, who served as an aide to Rep. Gregory Meeks and state Sen. Malcolm Smith; Gregory Mays, a Harvard graduate, who is the founder of the non-profit A Better Jamaica and a member of Community Board 12; Sondra Peeden, who is currently an aide to City Councilman Ruben Wills and a partner at the consulting firm Peeden, Jacobs and Associates; and Clyde Vanel, an intellectual property lawyer.
Another seat, currently held by Councilman James Gennaro, is also being vacated due to term limits.
Rory Lancman, former State Assemblyman who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2012, is among the candidates seeking the Council District 24 seat, which includes Briarwood, Fresh Meadows, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Kew Gardens Hills, and portions of Jamaica.
His opponents include Briarwood community activist Andrea Veras. Republican and graduate of the University of Miami School of Law Alex Blishteyn is also running.
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