Nick Roloson (via nickroloson.com)
Oct. 8, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Council Member Costa Constantinides’ Chief of Staff who was running to replace his boss in 2021 has dropped out of the race.
Nick Roloson ended his campaign today and formally endorsed progressive public defender Tiffany Cabán for the District 22 City Council seat representing Astoria, Woodside, Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Rikers Island.
“Today, I’m ending my campaign for New York City Council and announcing my support of Tiffany Cabán,” Roloson said in a statement. “This wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe Tiffany is the best person to lead Astoria into the future.”
Roloson had been endorsed by Constantinides, who must vacate the seat at the end of next year due to term limits.
“Running this campaign over the last year in the district I’ve proudly served for seven years has been the honor of my life,” Roloson said.
His announcement further narrows the field of candidates for the seat. He is the third candidate to drop out of the race and endorse Cabán since she launched her campaign last month.
Roloson said Cabán will lead the District in the right direction with a fairer criminal justice system.
“After speaking with Tiffany, I think she has the vision for where this neighborhood needs to go next,” he said. “She will fight for a fairer criminal justice system and continue the fight for a Renewable Rikers.”
Cabán became a household name in progressive circles after she narrowly lost the Democratic primary for Queens District Attorney to Melinda Katz last year.
She has already garnered a number of high profile endorsements, such as from State Senators Jessica Ramos and Michael Gianaris–along with Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer
“I am proud to have the support of Nick Roloson, an active and experienced leader in our community,” Cabán said. “Nick brings a critical perspective to our movement to bring radical transformation to our city, with his knowledge of the district, his background in community-centered policy, and commitment to climate justice.”
Roloson’s announcement that he is ending his campaign comes after two other candidates dropped out of the race and endorsed Cabán.
Last Thursday, Rod Townsend, a Community Board 1 member and former president of the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, ended his campaign and endorsed Cabán as well.
Last month, Jesse Cerrotti, a youth organizer and self-described Democratic socialist, dropped out of the race on the day Cabán officially launched her bid. That same day, he publicly endorsed her for the council seat.
Other candidates still in the running for the District 22 seat include Jaime-Faye Bean, Leonardo Bullaro, Evie Hantzopoulos and Felicia Kalan.
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