Special election called for Weiner's seat, two Queens Assembly seats

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that the date of the special election to fill Anthony Weiner’s seat in Congress for Primary Day, September 13.

Candidates nominated by parties in special elections are chosen by party leaders, and no clear Democratic candidate has emerged at this time. Because Weiner's seat is mostly in Queens, County party chairman Rep. Joseph Crowley will likely have the final word on his party's pick. A Republican candidate has not been declared, but Bob Turner, who challenged Weiner last year, is actively considering his party's nod.

The special election will also fill the vacant seats for the 23rd and 27th State Assembly districts, which were both vacated by retirements. The 27th district covers central Queens. The declared Democratic candidate is Michael Simanowitz, who previously served as incumbent Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn's chief of staff.

The 23rd Assembly district, which covers Ozone Park, Howard Beach and the Rockaway peninsula was represented by Audrey Pheffer, who stepped down in May to become the Queens County Clerk. After securing the nod of the local Democratic Party district leaders, Far Rockaway resident Phil Goldfeder publicly announced his run on the Democratic ticket. He will hold a public campaign kickoff on July 11 at the home of Rabbi Zvi Bloom in Far Rockaway.

The Republican candidate is Jane Deacy, a retired police officer who resides in Breezy Point.

Candidates who are unable to secure a party line must raise a petition of at least 1,500 registered local voters to run in the special election.