Grace Meng backed for Gary Ackerman's seat
Grace Meng (D- Flushing) at a meeting of the Queens County Democratic Party where Meng was nominated to seek the Sixth Congressional District seat after Rep. Gary Ackerman's decision to drop out of the race. (March 19, 2012) Credit: Handout
Assemb. Grace Meng won the backing Monday of the Queens County Democrats for the new open congressional seat in Queens, but she'll have to face a primary for the Democratic nomination.
Despite the endorsement, Assemb. Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), 43, and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, 34, of Ridgewood, said Monday that they're also running to win the Democratic line in the June 26 primary.
Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Woodside), chairman of the Queens County Democrats, announced the party's support for Meng, 36, (D-Flushing) for the new 6th Congressional District seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Roslyn Heights).
The new district is 38 percent Asian-American, and Meng would be the first Asian-American from New York in the House of Representatives, officials said.
Lancman had withdrawn his bid to avoid a primary with Ackerman.
But after Ackerman stepped aside last week, Lancman jumped back into the race, making his announcement Monday.
Elizabeth Crowley, the cousin of the congressman, will make a formal announcement later this week, a spokesman said.
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