A wide open race to replace Queens City Councilmember Francisco Moya has divided institutional support and drawn big money spending—as the specter of a disgraced ex-lawmaker hangs over the contest.
Erycka Montoya, a council staffer, has support from progressive politicians, while Shanel Thomas-Henry, a community board member who worked on the LaGuardia Airport overhaul, has the fundraising advantage. Another candidate, Yanna Henriquez, is the pick of the Queens Democratic Party.
Not on the ballot—for now—is twice-convicted former State Senator Hiram Monserrate. Monserrate was booted from the ballot due to a law, passed specifically to target him, that prohibits politicians with corruption convictions from running again. But Monserrate’s supporters continue to fight in court to get him back in the race.
"I think it's anyone’s game," Thomas-Henry told Hell Gate.