Nomiki Konst, the Astoria-based activist and podcaster, has officially ended her campaign for State Senate, according to a press release sent from Kristen Gonzalez’s campaign.
Konst also announced her endorsement of Kristen Gonzalez, a significant and surprising move, considering the contention between the two campaigns as they each made their case for why they were the progressive, leftist choice in the race.
“This three month long campaign has become one of the most expensive primaries in New York Senate history — and in light of the overwhelming amount of money being spent in this campaign, particularly by real estate interests, I have made the decision to suspend our campaign at this time and endorse Kristen Gonzalez for State Senate in District 59,” said Nomiki Konst, in the press release from the Gonzalez campaign.
“I’m grateful for Nomiki’s endorsement at this critical moment,” said Kristen Gonzalez. “We must come together to defeat developers and big corporations, and we’re looking forward to uniting the progressive movement to defeat special interests next week.
A tweet from a Konst staffer that accompanied their team’s version of the press release reveals the role that NYS Senate Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris played in facilitating a meeting between Gonzalez and Konst, which ultimately led to an endorsement.
Konst’s decision to drop out of the race is certainly a last-minute one, considering that the announcement was made on the first day of early voting. The ballot still lists Konst, as well as former candidate Françoise Olivas.
This year’s already chaotic Democratic primary process has seen two different State Senate districts and two different election dates, with incredibly low turnout for the first primary in June. Considering the lack of clarity surrounding this election, many New Yorkers out of town, and all the general reasons for meager voter turnout in this country, the numbers for the August election are likely to be low as well.
Get out and vote, Greenpointers! Make your voice heard! Early voting lasts from now until August 21. Election day is August 23!