U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) formally endorsed Paul Vallone Monday in his bid for City Council.
“Paul Vallone is a strong fighter for his community and will make a dynamic and effective City Council member,” Meng said. “He understands the needs of the district and will serve the public with honesty and integrity. Paul and I are both raising our families in Queens and know the importance of keeping our community a great place to live.”
In a statement, Vallone said he was glad to have Meng’s support in a district where the Asian American vote has grown to make up nearly 18 percent of the Democratic voters in his northeast Queens Council district.
“Like me and so many others in our community, Grace Meng is a parent who wakes up every day with a mission to better the neighborhoods where we raise our families,” Vallone said. “For that reason, and so many others, northeast Queens is incredibly fortunate to have Congresswoman Meng representing us in Congress.”
Vallone is one of five Democrats eyeing Halloran’s seat, including Douglaston attorney John Duane; Flushing urban planning consultant Paul Graziano; Austin Shafran, a Bayside native and former government spokesman for the Empire State Development Authority; and former Halloran Chief of Staff Chrissy Voskerichian of Flushing.
Queens GOP-backed Dennis Saffran of Douglaston has also announced a bid for the seat.
Last month, Halloran said he would not seek re-election for the northeast Queens Council seat so he could focus his attention on clearing his name after being arrested on charges of federal corruption.
The congresswoman joined the Queens Democratic party in throwing support behind the northeast Queens attorney, who is one of several Democrats vying for the 19th District seat currently held by City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone).