District 28
After being convicted of fraud and grand larceny, Ruben Wills was set to be expelled from the City Council under state law. Now that Wills is out of the picture, a few Democrats have entered the fight over the newly vacant council seat. Prior to Wills’ departure, Democratic contenders included Hettie V. Powell, an attorney who secured 33 percent of the vote in the 2013 primary, and Richard David, who has worked in the leadership of the city’s Economic Development Corp. They have since been joined by Anthony D. Andrews Jr., the Democratic district leader for the 32nd Assembly District, and Jahi A. Rose, Wills’ former director of constituent affairs. Adrienne Adams, chairwoman of Queens Community Board 12, joined the race with an endorsement from Rep. Joe Crowley, who also serves as the Queens County Democratic Party chairman. The Queens Democratic machine had previously put its weight behind Wills, so his departure opens up a free-for-all for the seat.
The Republican race features accountant Ivan Mossop, who was endorsed by the Queens County Republican Party, and a comeback bid by Allan Jennings, who previously held the seat but was censured by the City Council when two female subordinates accused him of sexual harassment. Calls to the campaign seeking confirmation that the candidate is the same Jennings were not returned.