Progressives on a roll as Queens Assemblyman Michael DenDekker admits defeat to Jessica González-Rojas
ALBANY — For the second day in a row, an incumbent Democratic New York state assemblyman admitted defeat at the hands of a progressive insurgent.
Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-Queens) conceded Friday that challenger Jessica González-Rojas had an insurmountable lead as absentee ballots are counted.
“Congratulations Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas... on your victory in the Democratic Primary for the 34th AD,” DenDekker tweeted. “I wish you all the best as you represent our community in Albany!”
Due to the coronavirus crisis, an unprecedented number of absentee ballots were cast, leaving official results for dozens of races up in the air. However, González-Rojas held a commanding lead following the June 23 primary with just in-person votes counted.
The former executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, González-Rojas received the backing of the Working Families Party and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens) as she sought to unseat DenDekker, a 12-year incumbent and party stalwart.
“Thank you for your years of public service, @mgdendekker,” she tweeted in response to he opponent’s concession. “I look forward to working with you as an Assembly Member to bring progressive change to our communities!”
González-Rojas’ win comes a day after longtime Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz was bested by another progressive upstart supported by the WFP and AOC, Democratic socialist Marcela Mitaynes.
Ortiz, who has represented the 51st Assembly district covering parts of Sunset Park and Bat Ridge since 1994, conceded that Mitaynes had gained enough ground to overtake him.
Progressives continue to make headway in other tight races across the five boroughs, with DenDekker’s fellow Queens Assembly members, Aravella Simotas and Michael Miller, trailing upstart candidates on election day.
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