Incumbent Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato Faces Off Against Republican Challenger Tom Sullivan in Tight Rematch
Not Bad Neither
In a district that has been a Republican stronghold in the past, Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Queens) is once again facing off against Republican challenger Tom Sullivan. The 2022 election saw Pheffer Amato hold onto her seat by just 15 votes, a margin that took two months to re-count and certify.
Voters Unfazed by Tight Rematch
Many local early voters, however, said on Thursday they’ve paid little mind to what’s expected to be a tight rematch, instead letting the names at the top of the ticket carry the rest of their ballots.
"I really, really haven’t paid attention to it, to be honest," said 78-year-old Emilia, a 45-year Howard Beach resident who declined to provide her last name, of the Assembly race as she spoke to THE CITY after casting her ballot at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy in Howard Beach, Queens.
"It never even came up in conversation."
Campaign Efforts
At the Howard Beach polling site on Thursday, both campaigns sought to make a final effort to appeal to voters.
"Please re-elect Stacey for New York Assembly," campaign volunteer Barbara Gropper, 80, whose family has lived in the area for more than eight decades, shouted as cars pulled into the parking lot of the polling site and voters headed for the entrance. One of her hands gripped a campaign sign; the other a handful of flyers that ticked off the incumbent’s support for the police, protection for reproductive rights, and opposition to migrant housing at Floyd Bennett Field.
"This area has been red for forever," Gropper added. "But I’m out here because your local candidates are what really matters."
Sullivan also stopped at the polling site to talk to voters on Thursday afternoon, and told THE CITY he’s feeling more confident that more voters will recognize his name on the ballot this time around.
"What’s changed dramatically is that people have gotten to know me … and they’ve seen that I didn’t give up and I didn’t just run once," Sullivan said. "Because that was one of the challenges we had to overcome with limited resources — knowability."
Voters’ Decisions
James Anzalone, 58, took notice of the challenger’s presence as he exited the polling station.
"Mr. Sullivan, you just got my vote," Anzalone said. "Good luck, really, good luck — I wish you all the best."
Anzalone said he is particularly concerned about the economy and safety in the neighborhood, especially with the influx of migrants, and was compelled by Sullivan’s background as a military veteran and small business owner.
Asked if that’s why he cast his vote for Sullivan, though, Anzalone said: "It’s just Republican — anybody who’s voting for Kamala Harris, I think half the world has gone bananas."
Conclusion
As the polls close, it remains to be seen whether Pheffer Amato will be able to hold onto her seat for another term or if Sullivan will make a comeback. One thing is certain, however, that the voters of Howard Beach are eager to cast their ballots and have their say in this tight election.
FAQs
Q: What is the current political climate in the 30th Assembly District?
A: The district has historically been a Republican stronghold, but Pheffer Amato won by a narrow margin in 2022.
Q: What are the key issues in this election?
A: The top two issues seem to be the economy and safety, with some voters also mentioning the influx of migrants.
Q: Will the outcome of this election be a repeat of the 2022 race?
A: It’s possible, but the campaigns are making different efforts to appeal to voters this time around.
