James Gennaro, a former council member for the district who was term-limited out of office in 2013 after serving three terms, took a commanding 60 percent of the vote based on unofficial results released by the New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday night.
I feel humbled that the early returns show that our campaign is likely to prevail. I am of course compelled to respect the process of the counting of all the ballots. I eagerly await those final results. I am grateful to the people who supported us and to my fellow candidates.
— James F. Gennaro (@JimGennaro) February 3, 2021
The second-place finisher, Moumita Ahmed, won only 16 percent of the vote.
This special election in the 24th City Council district in Queens — which includes Jamaica Estates, Kew Garden Hills, Fresh Meadows and parts of Jamaica and Briarwood — was run using the city’s new ranked-choice voting system, which allows a voter to choose up to five candidates in order of preference. There were eight candidates on the ballot.
Many are now pointing out the power of the Orthodox community if all actually show up to vote for local elections. The community leaders had urged the community to get out and vote, to oppose Moumita Ahmed, known to many as a raging anti-semite.
The Queens Orthodox community and Yeshiva parents turned out in record numbers to #vote and impacted this race. Will the NY media cover that fact with the same alacrity as they would if another group had turned out? This is a major story and development in city politics. pic.twitter.com/QffvZJfR0b
— Maury Litwack (@mlitwack) February 3, 2021
Nice work pulling out the vote @DanRosenthalNYC👏
The power of the people – a united community defeated an anti-Semite.
Congratulations Councilman-elect @JimGennaro on a well deserved landslide victory! https://t.co/mIsK4KQ3zz
— Simcha Eichenstein (@SEichenstein) February 3, 2021
Queens NY Special ELECTION ALERT – Tuesday Nov. 2nd
VOTE and keep Moumita Ahmed OUT OF OFFICE
Despite the storm, the election is proceeding!
(and YES, the 2nd pic is of her using a Shofar as a photo op – DISGUSTING). pic.twitter.com/4QO6vxpz3q
— StopAntisemitism.org (@StopAntisemites) February 2, 2021
Anyone endorsed by Linda Sarsour informed the Jewish community to stay far away from such a candidate.
Good morning KG Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Pkwy Village & Jamaica!
You have a chance today TO STAND UP TO THE ANTISEMITES! Please come out & vote!https://t.co/fixBLPBy70 pic.twitter.com/Kx07y4b2VP
— Kalman Yeger ונשמרתם מאד לנפשותיכם (@KalmanYeger) February 2, 2021
