Leroy Comrie, a former councilman and deputy borough president, announced he will run for state Sen. Malcolm Smith’s seat. Photo by Anna Gustafson
All in one week’s time, Leroy Comrie stepped down from his post as Deputy Borough President and announced he would be challenging the embattled state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) for his seat in a Democratic primary.
Comrie, who used to represent a big chunk of Smith’s Senate district over his three terms in the City Council, has already landed local support for his run, creating a crowded primary later this year. Smith was hit with federal corruption charges just over one year ago and is awaiting trial scheduled for June.
Smith’s office did not return requests for comment, but sources said he was expected to seek re-election.
“I am truly humbled to have this strong show of support, so early on. It simply means people are ready for a change,” Comrie said in a statement. “The 14th district will not be sidelined waiting for a leader to do the right thing. “I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from a lot of people and I am honored that they are putting their faith in me.”
Comrie, who most recently ran for borough president, resigned from his appointed position as deputy borough president over the weekend in anticipation of his run. His name was added to a growing list of contenders, including Munir Avery, Bernadette Semple and Clyde Vanel.
Vanel had contended for the seat once before and came close to winning, but current City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) won the seat by a small margin.
“I have worked with Leroy Comrie much of his time in public service,” said Miller, Comrie’s successor in the City Council. “Southeast Queens will reap the benefits when Leroy Comrie enters the state Senate. Leroy enjoys the respect from all of his colleagues in government to deliver what southeast Queens needs from Albany.”
Several leaders from all levels of government and community activism already stepped up to throw their support behind Comrie, including Democratic party heavyweight and U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights).
“For decades Leroy Comrie has been a dedicated public servant who has delivered for his community and the people of Queens,” Crowley said. “Leroy has been on the forefront of building better schools for our children, protecting our seniors, and helping to create thousands of jobs across New York.
Smith, a former state Democratic majority leader, was arrested last year on accusations that he and several other elected officials including former City Councilman Dan Halloran used bribery to try and inject Smith’s name in last year’s mayoral race on the Republican line. Smith, Halloran and the several others pleaded not guilty to the charges and are still awaiting trial.
If convicted, however, Smith would automatically be removed from the state Legislature.
“Throughout his public service, Leroy Comrie developed and maintained good relationships with others in government and at non-profits,” said Rev. Charles L. Norris Sr., Executive Secretary, Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. “The people of southeast Queens will benefit through Leroy’s ability to work successfully with others in government and in the non-profit arena. Southeast suffers when it cannot depend on an elected official to leverage his relationships on our behalf.”
By Phil Corso
