In primaries, Goldman, Gonzalez, Simon, Gallagher, Zinerman are challenged; Yeger Seeks assembly

BROOKLYN — U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, and state Assemblymembers Jo Anne Simon, Emily Gallagher and Stefani Zinerman are all facing challengers in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, while current Councilmember Kalman Yeger is seeking to move to the Assembly.

Rep. Dan Goldman, the incumbent in Congressional District 10, which includes parts of Lower Manhattan and Brownstone Brooklyn, was elected in 2022 and is best known for his role as lead counsel in former President Trump’s first impeachment trial. He is running on a platform that includes voting and abortion rights, strengthening democratic institutions and support for Israel. 

His first challenger, Bruno Grandsard, is an investment manager and consultant whose platform highlights environmentalism and political reform, while his second challenger, Evan Hutchison, is a political organizer whose platform centers on affordable housing and an end to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, the incumbent in Senate District 49, which includes parts of Greenpoint and Williamsburg as well as Queens and Manhattan, was elected in 2022. Her campaign focuses on climate action and education affordability. Challenger Gus Lambropoulos, a property manager, is running on a pro-business platform that centers on growing the local economy.

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, the incumbent in Assembly District 52, encompassing much of Brownstone Brooklyn, was elected in 2014 and is running on a platform that headlines women’s rights, gun violence and environmentalism. Challenger Scott Budow, a lawyer, says he would prioritize housing reform and fighting poverty. Both candidates are passionate about education.

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, the incumbent in District 50, comprising Greenpoint and parts of Williamsburg, was elected in 2020. Her major issues are inequality and environmental and housing justice. Challenger Andrew Bodiford, a lawyer, also focuses on climate change and housing justice, as well as infrastructure. Her other challenger, Anathea Simpkins, an educator, says she would focus on youth issues, preventing gun violence and building unity.

Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman, the incumbent in District 56, which includes parts of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, was elected in 2020. Her campaign focuses on health care, education and supporting entrepreneurship. Challenger Eon Tyrell Huntley, a retail worker and union organizer, says his campaign centers on labor issues, health care and rent affordability. 

Longtime Assemblymember Helene Weinstein, who served the southern Brooklyn District 41 for a record-breaking 44 years, is retiring this year, leaving the primary open. Current City Councilmember Kalman Yeger, a conservative Democrat representing Borough Park and parts of Midwood in the Council, hopes to claim the seat. He said in published reports that his top priority is maintaining constituent services, noting that his current council district overlaps with District 41. His opponent, Adam Dweck, says his top priorities are public safety and tax and political reform.

This year’s primary will take place on Tuesday, June 25, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting is now open as well. More information about voting times and polling places can be found on the city Board of Elections website.