Queens Democrats Endorse Tony Avella For District 19 City Council

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Former New York Senator and council member Tony Avella was endorsed by the Queens County Democratic Party to run for City Council in District 19, which covers Bayside, Douglaston, Whitestone, and other neighborhoods.

Republican Vickie Paladino currently represents District 19 and won against Avella for the same position in November 2021.

"This endorsement solidifies a united Democratic party in Queens fighting against an extremist in our community,” said Avella in a statement on Monday. “I am ready to fight in the council for a better quality of life, safe communities, and making Northeast Queens and all of New York City more affordable.”

Elections for New York City Council members will kick off this summer after last year’s council redistricting, with elections last held in 2021. Instead of serving the typical four-year term, council members can only serve for two years in a redistricting year.

Paladino currently has over $44,000 in her campaign bank account, while Avella has garnered over $19,000.

“Tony has proven that he's got what it takes to hit the ground running on day one and be a true servant of his community,” said Chairman Gregory W. Meeks.

Avella first announced his run in March 2022, expressing that constituents in the district are "embarrassed" by Paladino’s performance.