Democratic primary election for Assembly District 37 –  Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Maspeth, and Ridgewood

NYS Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan is retiring from her seat after 35 years. Following the announcement, four local candidates will face-off in a Democratic Primary on June 28, to determine who will be the democratic contender in the November election to fill the empty Assembly seat. Nolan has put her endorsement with Johanna Carmona. Some say the endorsement could hurt Carmona because Nolan has been fairly inaccessible for the past 5 or 6 years. Brent O’Leary says he has learned a great deal about running for office since his council run last year. He is a civic leader who has been in the public eye for more than a decade. Juan is considered by most to be the front-runner in this race because of his strong showing in a council primary race last year against councilman Robert Holden, with similar district lines. But some do consider those votes to be anti-Holden votes as opposed to pro-Ardila. Ridgewood is said to be important for Juan. Jim Magee has the confidence to be in this race. It’s a question whether he can appeal to a wider base, outside Woodside/Sunnyside.