GOP Rep. Bob Turner has endorsed Joseph Borelli’s bid for the South Shore Assembly seat.
“Joe’s commitment to public service and his community make him a natural choice to serve the people of Staten Island as their assemblyman,” Turner said at a City Hall press conference.
Turner, who is running to unseat U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), said Borelli “has a fresh approach to leadership that we need more of in Albany. He will be a true fighter for New York City’s interests and I’m proud to endorse him.”
Borelli is looking to replace GOP Assemblyman Lou Tobacco, who is not seeking re-election this year and who recently took a job with Staten Island University Hospital.
“I’m enormously grateful to Congressman Turner for his endorsement of my candidacy,” said Borelli, chief of staff to City Councilman Vincent Ignizio (R-South Shore). “Bob went to Washington to shake things up and make a difference and I will take that same approach in the Albany.”
It was the latest in a string of endorsements for Borelli. He has been backed by Ignizio, Rep. Michael Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), Borough President James P. Molinaro, Councilman James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn).
Said Borelli, “I have spent my career working on behalf of the people of Staten Island and I look forward to continuing that fight as their representative in the Assembly.”
A Huguenot resident, Borelli also serves on the city Voter Assistance Advisory Committee and is an adjunct professor of political science at the College of Staten Island.
Republicans will hold a county convention later this month to make endorsements for the fall campaigns, including the Assembly race.