Bay Ridge resident John Quaglione joins the race for City Council

Another well-known Bay Ridge resident has thrown his hat into the the race for the City Council’s coveted 43rd district seat.

John Quaglione, current communications director to State Senator Marty Golden, announced on Thursday, February 2 that he will indeed vie for the seat, which encompasses Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, in a race that is already shaping up to be a hot one.

“Over the last couple of months, many people have encouraged me to enter this year’s race,” said Quaglione, stressing that he is currently in the process of filing the necessary paperwork and will be launching an official campaign soon. “I am grateful for this indication of early support which was so important to the campaign when I ran four years ago. Many of you may remember what I said then, and I will say it again now, because I still believe that we can do better.”

Quaglione is the second Republican to declare his candidacy, alongside hopeful Bob Capano, who announced his intention last year. Liam McCabe, aide to Congressmember Dan Donovan, is also rumored to be eyeing the seat.

On the other side of the aisle, even more people have expressed serious interest in making the run. Democrat Justin Brannan is currently raising funds for a council run and Democratic District Leader Nancy Tong has entered the race while the Reverend Khader El-Yateem, Democratic District Leader Kevin Peter Carroll and Assemblymember Peter Abbate are also rumored to be considering running for the Democratic nomination.