Democrat Sam Berger, the victor in a special election for an open state Assembly seat in Queens, was sworn into office this week.
Berger, a 25-year-old law school graduate, received around 2,500 votes to win with 55% of the vote. His opponent, Republican David Hirsch, had just under 2,000 votes. The 27th district represents parts of Forest Hills, Whitestone, College Point and Kew Gardens Hills.
With the win, Democrats held onto the seat and now have a total of 102 in the Assembly. Republicans have 48 seats.
Berger was sworn into office by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie Thursday afternoon.
Joining NY1 anchor Pat Kiernan on “Mornings on 1,” Berger said his campaign focused on hyperlocal issues, and that education and public safety were top of mind for his constituents.
“It’s about focusing very much on the local issues, the things that everyone can resonate with,” Berger said.
In a district that went for Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin 56% to 44% over Gov. Kathy Hochul last year, Berger’s win was anything but assured.