June 3 Election for Gallagher's Seat

Michael Bloomberg just announced that the special election to fill the City Council seat vacated by Republican Dennis Gallagher, who pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct, will be on June 3. The winner of that election will serve until the end of the year. Another election will be held in November to choose a candidate to fill out the remainder of Gallagher's term--until the end of 2009.

But whoever wins on June 3 is likely to hold onto the seat in in November.

Democrats have largely rallied around Elizabeth Crowley, who is related to Congressman and Queens Democratic County Leader Joe Crowley. The Republican establishment in Queens has endorsed Anthony Como, a staff member of State Senator Frank Padavan Serph Maltese.

The 30th Council district, which is based in the blue-collar neighborhood of Middle Village, has traditionally been a Republican stronghold. The district elected Gallagher twice, and his predecessor, Republican Tom Ognibene, served for many years.

But it’s ripe for a Democratic takeover since the area is represented in Congress and in the assembly by Democrats.

Technically, Democratic voters outnumber Republican voters 2-1, but many Democrats are homeowners and lean conservative.

Add a colorful local civic group with a charismatic leader and this race really could get interesting.