Grace Meng Wins Re-Election To Congress

Updated 12:55 a.m.:

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — U.S. Rep. Grace Meng has won a fifth term in Congress, according to projections by the Associated Press.

Early returns showed Meng with roughly 63 percent of the vote in her re-election race against Republican challenger Thomas Zmich, though those results do not yet include at least 59,000 absentee ballots cast in the district.

"I thank the voters of the 6th District for once again selecting me to be their voice in Washington," Meng said in a statement late Tuesday. "I am deeply honored and humbled by the overwhelming show of support, and the trust and confidence that my constituents continue to have in me.

"These are very challenging times for our nation. There is much work that needs to be done and many issues that need to be addressed. We must continue to do everything possible to combat COVID-19 and get our economy back on track, and I remain committed to doing all I can to achieve these vital goals."

Meng was first elected to Congress in 2012 and is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Her challenger, Zmich, is a veteran who works as a brick layer with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 union.

In a Patch candidate profile, Meng said her main concern as a legislator is breaking down structural barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

"Growing up in the most diverse county in America taught me that every person deserves a seat at the table," she wrote. "It's my priority to advocate for inclusive policies and ensure equal access to opportunities."

She also touted her votes for federal coronavirus relief initiatives like the Paycheck Protection Program and her role as a co-sponsor of the RESTAURANTS Act, which would provide food and dining establishments with billions of dollars to help cover critical operating expenses.

"As for small businesses, I believe our government must be there to help them recover from losses related to the coronavirus," Meng told Patch.

Zmich framed his opponent as not representing all of her constituents and showing "no leadership during the current crisis," he wrote in a Patch candidate profile.

Zmich called the economy "the priority" and said businesses should reopen even amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Bills sponsored by her are all appeasing to small groups, not taking into effect the impact on the majority of tax paying Americans," he wrote.

Meng represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes parts of Auburndale, Bayside, Elmhurst, Flushing, Forest Hills, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Murray Hill and Rego Park.

In June, Meng defeated her two challengers in the Democratic primary, Melquiades Gagarin and Sandra Choi — putting her one step closer to winning another term.

"So grateful for the overwhelming show of support for our campaign," Meng tweeted following the primary. "I dedicated my career to fighting for Queens families & I’m ready to continue that fight."

This article originally appeared on the Bayside-Douglaston Patch