Four candidates are running in the Democratic Primary for the Flushing congressional seat, held by U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman.
Elizabeth Crowley
Elizabeth Crowley is a member of the City Council who lives in Glendale with her two sons. Crowley worked as a restorative painter after earning a master’s degree from the Pratt Institute and joined the Council in 2008. Her campaign has largely focused on steering transportation monies toward New York and bringing American troops home. Crowley is a staunch supporter of the NYPD and has been endorsed by the police officers and firefighters unions.
Rory Lancman
Rory Lancman is a state assemblyman who lives with his wife and three children in Fresh Meadows. A U.S. Army veteran and former community board member, Lancman was a lawyer before beginning his public service career five years ago. His campaign has focused on Social Security reform through raising the FICA rate, greater tax equality by reining in capital gains taxes and combating overdevelopment. Lancman was endorsed by the Daily News, former Mayor Ed Koch and numerous unions.
Grace Meng
Grace Meng is a state assemblywoman who lives with her husband and two children in Flushing. Before beginning public service, Meng practiced as a lawyer after receiving her degree from Yeshiva University’s Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She has said concerns about education and infrastructure have grown naturally from raising a family in the borough. Meng has been endorsed by The New York Times, U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman and the United Federation of Teachers.
Robert Mittman
Dr. Robert Mittman is a Bayside allergist who is running as a citizen candidate. He worked his way through public schools, then Queens College before completing medical school and setting up a practice on Bell Boulevard. His campaign has focused on reforming health care and bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the United States. Mittman has also proposed cutting the deficit by slashing foreign aid by half and military spending by one-third.
