Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley is planning to run for a seat in the House of Representatives. Ms. Crowley, who informed The Politicker of her plans at the McManus Democratic Association’s annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast Saturday, joins an already crowded field that emerged once veteran Congressman Gary Ackerman abruptly announced his decision not to run for the seat. Congressman Joe Crowley, chairman of the Queens Democratic Party, is Ms. Crowley’s cousin, but he’s backing one of her rivals in the race, Assemblywoman Grace Meng.
“I love my cousin very much. I hope she realizes this is in the best interests of the district,” Mr. Crowley told The Politicker at a meeting where he announced the Queens Democrats’ support for Ms.
Assemblyman Rory Lancman has also announced his intention to run for the seat. Some political insiders have noted the district’s demographics favor a Jewish candidate like Mr. Lancman or an Asian politician like Ms. Meng.
Ms. Crowley is just 33-years-old, but her name was bandied about by politicos as a potential replacement for Anthony Weiner in the 9th Congressional district in the special election following his sex scandal last year. Assemblyman David Weprin ended up being the Democratic nominee in that race and he lost to Republican Bob Turner. The 9th district was effectively eliminated in the as-yet unapproved maps released by a federal magistrate. Mr. Turner has moved on to challenge Kirsten Gillibrand for her Senate seat.
A native of Queens, Ms. Crowley grew up around politics. Her father, Walter, was a Councilman and Democratic district leader. She was elected to the Council in 2008. Ms. Crowley has worked as a union painter and schoolteacher.
[Additional Reporting By Colin Campbell]
