González-Rojas wins 13th SD Dem primary

Source: Queens Chronicle

Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) on Tuesday won the Democratic primary in the 13th state Senate District, defeating incumbent Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) and former city Councilman and state Senator Hiram Monserrate.

Unofficial totals posted by the city’s Board of Elections gave González-Rojas 47.88 percent of the vote on Wednesday afternoon, with more than 98 percent of the machines counted.

Ramos was at 37.15 percent, with Monserrate at 14.54 percent.

“Yesterday, the communities of Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and LeFrak City spoke loud and clear,” González-Rojas said in a Wednesday afternoon press release. “They chose honesty, collaboration, and integrity. I am deeply grateful to every volunteer, supporter, and voter who made this victory possible. This campaign was powered by people.

“While this campaign was too often marked by personal attacks, misinformation, and efforts to divide our community, voters made clear that they want something different. They want leadership that listens, brings people together, and focuses on solving problems. They want a government they can trust. Today, we turn the page. We are one community fighting for a better future.”

There was no Republican primary in the district.

Ramos has served seven terms, and both she and González-Rojas counted on strong support from organized labor.

Monserrate ran on crime and other quality-of-life issues, particularly those along the Roosevelt Avenue corridor.

Ramos also never deviated from her opposition to the Metropolitan Park casino, entertainment and park complex planned for the parking lot at Citi Field.

The Chronicle has reached out to Ramos and Monserrate for comment.

The first returns posted shortly after the polls closed at 9 p.m. showed González-Rojas with nearly 48 percent of the vote, with Ramos at 39.5 and Monserrate at 12.

Subsequent checks showed González-Rojas maintaining a 10-point lead throughout the night. Monserrate topped off at just under 15 percent.

The attacks González-Rojas brought up were never more on display than on June 9 in a candidate forum sponsored by the Ditmars Boulevard Block Association with all three candidates firing broadsides at both their competitors.

“This victory belongs to all of us,” González-Rojas said Wednesday. “The campaign may be over, but the work of bringing our community together is just beginning.”

The general election is on Nov. 3.