
CORONA — Former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who was kicked out of the state Senate in 2009 after he was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend, lost his bid for a political comeback as district leader by only 57 votes, according to the election results.
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The former elected official was running for the unpaid position throughout Corona and Jackson Heights against incumbent George Dixon.
Dixon picked up 775 votes, while 718 people voted for Monserrate.
During his campaign, Monserrate touted his accomplishments throughout his career in elected office, which he called "a lifetime of service and delivering for our community."
Monserrate was convicted of misdemeanor assault in 2009 after prosecutors say he cut his girlfriend's face with a glass in his Queens home during an argument. He was acquitted of felony charges in connection to the attack, the aftermath of which was caught on video. He and his lawyers denied the charges, saying his girlfriend tripped and fell while holding a water glass.
Many balked at his attempt to re-enter politics, with one high-ranking member of the Queens Democratic party saying "to know him is to not like him."
Other political observers, though, pointed to his name recognition — for better or for worse — that could have kept the margin close.