QUEENS — Councilman Leroy Comrie, who dropped out of the race for Queens Borough President last month, decided to get behind Melinda Katz, he said Monday.
"Through the years we served together in the City Council, I have witnessed, time and again, the dedication that Melinda Katz has shown advocating for Queens,” said Comrie in a statement.
Cash-strapped Comrie quit the race in July, despite getting endorsements from District Council 37 and former Mayor David Dinkins.
“Melinda has a proven track record of advocating for better schools, the creation of affordable and senior housing, and better jobs,” said Comrie, adding that Katz has also been "dynamic in the fight against the closure of firehouses, hospitals, and senior centers.”
Katz, a former Councilwoman, was also backed by two other former rivals — Barry Grodenchik, the Deputy Queens borough president, and state Sen. Jose Peralta — both of whom ended their bids in May.
Katz has accumulated numerous high-profile endorsements, including the Queens County Democratic Party, the Working Families Party and the late Mayor Ed Koch.
City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., state Sen. Tony Avella and Everly Brown, a real estate developer, remain in the contest. A Republican candidate Aurelio “Tony” Arcabascio is also running.
Current Queens Borough President Helen Marshall cannot run for re-election due to term limits.
