NY SENATE DISTRICT 59 (Queens/Brooklyn/Manhattan): Astoria, Queensbridge, Dutch Kills, Long Island City, Hunters Point, Greenpoint, Kips Bay, Tudor City, Gramercy, Stuy-town and Cooper Village
Elizabeth Crowley ★ Preferred Candidate
Age: 44 Occupation: Former New York City Council Member, Chair, Friends of QNS
Education: Fashion Institute of Technology (B.A); Pratt Institute (M.S.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Elizabeth Crowley represented Maspeth, Glendale, Middle Village, Woodhaven, Ridgewood, and Woodside on the New York City Council from 2009-2017. She later co-founded 21 in ’21, a group dedicated to electing more women to the Council. In the past few years, Crowely led Friends of the QNS, advocating to establish a new transit line from Jamaica to Long Island City, and ran for Queens Borough President in the 2020 and 2021 elections. Her campaign priorities include assistance for small businesses, protecting reproductive rights, and getting affordable housing that incorporates urban planning principles. Crowley indicated her support for all of Citizens Union’s reform agenda, including merit-based hiring at boards of elections, campaign funds matching programs, and the creation of a truly independent body to oversee legislators and election bodies in their redistricting processes. She is backed by the County Democratic party, but has a history of independence and has not always been aligned with the Party organization. Citizens Union believes Crowley is the most qualified candidate in the race. Her experience serving communities in Queens and moving policy would make her an effective lawmaker in Albany, including on reform issues. We prefer her in this race.
Kristen Gonzalez
Age: 26 Occupation: Executive Committee Member of Queens Community Board 4,
Product Manager at American Express
Education: Columbia University (B.A.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Kristen Gonzalez, a product manager at American Express and a tech organizer for the Democratic Socialists of America, was raised in Jackson Heights and now lives in Long Island CIty. She serves on the executive committee of Community Board 4. She has worked as an intern for the Obama administration and for Senator Chuck Schumer. Her top priorities as noted in the candidate questionnaire, included a rigorous, grassroots constituent affairs program, and developing policy with the guidance of activists and organizers. Her platform focuses on housing, climate, and healthcare. Gonzalez supports Citizens Union’s reform agenda. During her interview, she spoke about increasing voting access and incorporating constituent feedback into oversight appointments. Citizens Union was impressed by Gonzaelz’ energy and commitment to her community, and encourages her to continue her involvement in civic affairs.
Nomiki Konst
Age: 38 Occupation: Reporter/Political commentator and activist
Education: Unconfirmed University of Arizona (B.A.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Nomiki Konst is a political commentator on progressive issues who appears on outlets like CNN, CBS, NPR, and the Hill. She also hosted a daily talk show on SiriusXm. Konst founded several nonprofits dealing with investigative journalism and political discourse; she was recognized by Citizens Union at a 2017 Spring for Reform event for her investigative work with The Young Turks. Konst served as an appointee of Senator Bernie Sanders to the DNC’s Unity Reform Commission, which sought to review the party’s nomination process, where she researched the party’s campaign finance practices. She indicated her support for all of CU’s reform agenda, and said she would prioritize reforming ethics and oversight bodies concerning sexual harassment and campaign finance issues, especially the use of matching funds. She also detailed proposals to fix boards of elections. Citizens Union was impressed by Konst’s understanding and familiarity with national, state, and local policy issues.
Michael Corbett
Age: 40 Occupation: Vice Chair of the New York State Democratic Party and
District Leader at Manhattan Democratic Party
Education: Hofstra University (B.A.)
To read this candidate’s responses to Citizen Union’s questionnaire, click here.
Michael Corbett, a lifetime resident of Murray Hill, worked in the City Council for the last seven years, mostly as a staffer for former Council Member Costa Constantinides, who represented Astoria. Corbett was also involved with the Young Democrats of America, where he rose the ranks of the party, serving in various leadership roles. In 2018 he was appointed as the Vice Chair of the state party. Corbett, a third-generation Teamster who has spent 15 years as a union mover with Local 814, prioritizes worker’s rights. He proposes creating a pathway to apprenticeship, promoting labor recruitment in high schools, reinforcing protections against retaliation against union workers, and supporting workforce development in communities. Corbett indicated support for all of CU’s reform agenda items. He stressed that redistricting powers should be given to an independent and non-partisan group, and proposed reassessing the Board of Elections to ensure employment is not based on patronage. Citizens Union appreciates his familiarity with both sides of the river in this new Senate district, and his straightforward approach to reform issues.
Francoise Olivas
The candidate did not respond to Citizens Union’s questionnaire