Kawas, González-Rojas, Addabbo among winners in Queens state Senate primary races
Source: QNS
Democratic voters in Queens elected Aber Kawas, Jessica González-Rojas and Joseph P. Addabo Jr. as their candidates in the primary elections for state Senator in the 12th, 13th and 15th districts, respectively, on Tuesday, June 23.
In the 12th Senatorial District’s Democratic primaries, Aber Kawas defeated Steven Raga to earn the party’s nomination, according to unofficial results from the city’s Board of Elections. As of 11:46 p.m., with more than 96% of votes counted, Kawas earned 60.17% of votes, with 12,460 in her favor, compared to 39.43% (8,166) for Raga. Kawas will look to succeed outgoing Senator Michael Gianaris.
Raga had previously served as the Assembly Member for New York’s 30th Assembly District, which covers parts of Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Maspeth. Kawas, a member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), was endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Another world is possible. We have all proven that today as a grassroots movement, a movement of organizers of ordinary people who have knocked doors, who have met in cafes, who have used a lot of signal chats, we are a group of ordinary people who believed and built a movement together because we believe another world is possible,” Kawas said. “This victory did not come out of nowhere. This victory is an extension of the people’s victory of last year’s mayoral victory. Victory is an extension of decades of work, of centuries of marginalized communities who have been discarded in the United States who have worked every day to rise up and protect themselves and each other.”
“We are going to fund dignity for working-class communities, for people who toil at construction sites, in streetcars, in taxicabs, in classrooms,” Kawas continued. “We are here to fund dignity for the working-class New Yorkers, and in our campaign, we’re going to do that by funding free health care, free transit and affordable housing for all.”
“I congratulate Aber Kawas and extend my hand to her in partnership and community. This election was hard-fought, but it was fought on principle, not personalities. That is how progressives should resolve our very real differences: through competing ideas about how we build power and how we fight on behalf of everyday New Yorkers,” Raga said in a statement. “Tonight was not the outcome we hoped for. Yet I am filled with gratitude, because together, we built more than a campaign. We built a people-powered movement rooted in the neighborhoods of Western Queens—immigrants, workers, families and neighbors united by a simple democratic principle: that the future of Western Queens ought to be shaped by the people of Western Queens. I want to thank every volunteer, every supporter, every union member, every tenant, every nurse, every delivery worker and every person who knocked on doors, made calls and believed in this campaign.”
“To everyone who stood with us: thank you. This campaign may be ending, but our work is not. I will never stop fighting for the communities that raised me, and I remain hopeful about what we can build together,” Raga continued. “The movement we built belongs to the people of Western Queens. And its story is far from over.”
Democratic incumbent Jessica Ramos and challenger Hiram Monserrate were defeated by Jessica González-Rojas in the primary for the 13th Senatorial District. With 98.4% of ballots reported, as of 11:46 p.m., González-Rojas received 47.88% (6,476) of votes, while Ramos had 37.15% (5,024) and Monserrate got 14.54% (1,966).
“This victory belongs to every volunteer who knocked on a door, every supporter who made a contribution, every person who made a phone call, sent a text, hosted a gathering, shared a social media post or encouraged a neighbor to vote,” González-Rojas said. “Together, we built something extraordinary. We proved that a grassroots campaign powered by people can overcome the politics of division. We knocked on more than 50,000 doors and earned the support of thousands of neighbors across our district.”
“I am deeply honored by the trust that voters have placed in me to serve as their next State Senator,” González-Rojas continued. “The challenges facing our families are real. But only by working together can we bring down the cost of housing, guarantee healthcare for all New Yorkers, provide free childcare, make our public transportation fully accessible and create the opportunities New Yorkers need to thrive. This campaign was always about one thing. It was about building a stronger, more united community. That work begins today. Thank you for believing in this campaign. Thank you for believing in our community. Thank you for believing that together we can build a future rooted in dignity, opportunity and hope for everyone. This victory is ours. The campaign may be over, but the work of bringing our community together is just beginning.”
Ramos has represented the 13th Senatorial District since 2019. González-Rojas was the Assembly Member for New York’s 34th Assembly District, which includes parts of Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights.
“Last night’s primary election has concluded, and the voters have chosen Jessica González-Rojas as the Democratic nominee for NYS District 13. I congratulate her on her victory and wish her success as she continues her service to our community,” Monserrate said. “I want to thank every volunteer, supporter, friend and voter who placed their trust in me throughout this campaign. I am deeply grateful for your encouragement, your hard work and your belief in our shared vision for the future of our neighborhoods. I am also honored and humbled by the confidence the voters of East Elmhurst and Corona have once again placed in me by re-electing me as Democratic District Leader of the 35th Assembly District. I take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to serving our community with energy, integrity and dedication. We will continue to be a voice for a Safer and Cleaner Community and to Restore Roosevelt Avenue.”
“Our voices matter, and our collective involvement helps shape the future of East Elmhurst, Corona and all of Queens,” Monserrate continued. “As District Leader, I look forward to working with everyone to address the challenges we face and pursue opportunities that improve the quality of life of our neighborhoods. Thank you again for your support. God bless you all.”
Incumbent Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. secured the nomination in the Democratic primary for the 15th Senatorial District over challenger Albert Baldeo. Addabo, who has been the State Senator for the 15th Senatorial District since he was first elected in 2008, earned 73.64% (7,427) of votes, with 96.26% of ballots counted, as of 11:46 p.m. Baldeo recorded 25.82% (2,604) of the votes.
“I am proud and thankful to have won the Democratic Primary so I can continue doing the work that I love – serving the people of my district. My dedication to public service, and that of my office team, comes from a deep-rooted desire to make a positive difference in the community and across the state, authoring constructive legislation and bringing back state funding for necessary programs and organizations,” Addabbo said. “I’m grateful for the trust the voters have placed in me, and I’ll keep fighting for better healthcare, an improved educational system, support for our seniors and veterans, as well as expanding opportunities for good-paying jobs. I want to thank my staff, campaign team, volunteers and family for their unwavering work and support. This victory belongs to every one of my supporters who knocked on doors, collected signatures, posted signs, gave out flyers and voted for me. Together, we move forward toward a better future.”
Baldeo said he was proud in how far his campaign went.
“I was proud to give a challenge, without any big donors,” Baldeo said. “We were a grassroots campaign.”
The primary victors will look to win the Senate seats in the general election, which will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
