Former NYS Senator Tom Duane Endorses Alfonso Quiroz for Council

Today, former New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane, and more than 100 LGBTQ business owners, artists, advocates, political club leaders, and longtime New Yorkers announced support for community activist Alfonso Quiroz in the June 22 Democratic primary for the District 25 New York City Council seat representing Jackson Heights and Elmhurst.

The announcement from one of the first openly gay men to be elected to the New York City Council 30 years ago follows the endorsements of New York State Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell, LGBTQ Victory Fund, Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, former New York State Governor David Paterson, a staunch champion of marriage equality and LGBTQ rights, and more than 100 other LGBTQ New Yorkers and advocates, civic leaders, artists, and equality champions.

“Throughout my career, I have always strongly believed that we all deserve to live in a more equitable, fair, and just society, and that means fighting for the rights of tenants and affordable housing, for access to healthcare and quality education, and ensuring the safety of all of diverse communities in the face of bias and hate,” said Thomas K. Duane said. “I wholly endorse Alfonso Quiroz because he, too, believes that we must address stigma and discrimination in all of its forms, and that the New York City Council, where I was proud to serve, requires leaders committed to challenge historic wrongs in the pursuit of equal rights. LGBTQ representation matters, and by serving in government, Alfonso can more effectively give voice to the voiceless and shape a better, stronger future for our city.”

"I am incredibly humbled to receive the endorsement of Tom Duane, who throughout his career has long been a champion of equality for all, and a staunch advocate for tenants and civil rights, for same-sex marriage and legislation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, for progressive criminal justice reforms, and for measures that strengthen support for the victims of domestic violence and protect a woman’s right to choose,” Alfonso Quiroz said. “I have long admired Tom, who broke barriers by becoming one of the first openly gay and HIV positive members of the New York City Council and New York State Senate. My admiration for Tom knows no bounds because he has always been unwavering in his dedication to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. Because of him, we already live in a world that is freer and fairer, and I hope that if elected I will be able to follow in his footsteps.”

A native of Queens, Thomas K. Duane served seven years in the New York City Council before he was elected to the New York State Senate, becoming the only openly gay member during his tenure, from 1999 to 2012. While there, he introduced same-sex union legislation in 2009, and continued to support the freedom to marry movement; and two years later, Marriage Equality Act became law in New York state in July 2011.

Quiroz is a former president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens. He is vice president of the JFK Democratic Club and a member of the Queens Theater board, the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. As the founder of the 37th Avenue Sidewalk Cafe Coalition, he advocated for the expansion of outdoor dining along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

In his neighborhood, Quiroz has served as deputy chief of staff to former Councilmember Helen Sears and is a former Democratic district leader in Queens. He was a White House intern when President Clinton was in office and served as a field organizer for Al Gore's 2000 campaign. Learn more Alfonso Quiroz’s stances on issues.

Alfonso Quiroz is proud to have support from more than 100 LGBTQ individuals, including several former Board Presidents at Stonewall Democrats, small business owners, community leaders, and everyday New Yorkers.