In a landslide decision on Tuesday, the Queens County Democratic Party chose Democratic District Leader Frank Gulluscio to represent the Democratic party in November’s 32nd District City Council race against 24-year-old Republican incumbent Eric Ulrich.The district encompasses the neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Rockaway Beach.
Gulluscio, who serves as district manager of Community Board 6 and leader of the South Queens Democratic Party, shouldn’t have much trouble getting back in the swing of campaigning — his last run for office ended just three months ago.
The candidate found himself entangled in a political knot when he ran in last February’s special election to replace Joseph Addabbo Jr., who was elected to the state Senate. Despite having received endorsements from several prominent party members, including Addabbo, for whom he had worked as an aide, Gulluscio was knocked off the ballot for failing to obtain a sufficient number of signatures. One of his opponents, Rockaway Democratic District Leader Geraldine Chapey, who was present at Tuesday’s nomination, was accused of contributing to his fall — though Gulluscio doesn’t seem to harbor resentment.
“I’m ecstatic to receive the nomination from the Queens County Democratic Party,” Gulluscio said. “I’m looking forward to an issue-oriented race.”
At his first campaign fundraiser last month, Gulluscio vowed to run a personal, grassroots campaign.
“I pledge to work for the needs and the interests of all the residents in this district,” he said.
Democratic District Leader Lew Simon, who came in second place in the special election, said difficult financial times kept him from running again, but that the party has unanimously put its weight behind Gulluscio.
“We all work in unity and support Frank,” Simon said.
At press time, Chapey had not returned phone calls.
