On Friday, July 31, Councilwoman Joann Ariola officially endorsed Colonel (Ret.) Thomas Sullivan for the New York State Assembly District 23 (AD 23). Sullivan is the Republican, Conservative, and We The People candidate. Ariola, a Republican, has represented western Rockaway, Broad Channel and various mainland neighborhoods since 2021. Her city council district contains many of the same citizens as AD 23.
Announcing her endorsement, Councilwoman Ariola said, “For decades, Tom Sullivan has dedicated himself to serving our nation and our communities. From his combat deployments overseas, to his service as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to his leadership roles in countless community organizations, Tom has consistently answered the call to serve. I need a partner at the state level who will fight for our communities, advocate for the resources we need, and stand firm against policies that put our neighborhoods at risk. Tom Sullivan is that leader. That is why I am proud to offer my full endorsement of Tom Sullivan for State Assembly.”
Sullivan is a small business owner and financial services professional, in addition to being a 30-year U.S. Army Reserve veteran. Raised in Brooklyn as the son of a retired NYPD detective, Sullivan comes from generations of civil servants, including the United States Secret Service, NYPD, FDNY, and the United States Army. He has built and managed businesses while helping organizations navigate challenges that included 9/11, the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts.
Sullivan thanked the Councilwoman for her support. “I am deeply honored to receive Councilwoman Ariola’s endorsement,” Sullivan said. “Joann has been an unwavering advocate for the people of southern Queens, consistently delivering results and standing up for our neighborhoods. I look forward to working alongside her to strengthen public safety, lower costs, improve our quality of life, and ensure our communities have a strong voice in Albany. I am truly grateful for her confidence and support.”
Ariola’s track record has been central to the debate as to whether a Republican can be effective in the Democrat-dominated legislature, with Sullivan arguing that her ability to bring home $32 million to her city council district proves a Republican in the minority can be effective by working across the aisle. During his remarks in Belle Harbor last week, the Republican candidate for governor, Bruce Blakeman, said, “A general cannot do it alone. He needs soldiers. I need Tom Sullivan in Albany.”
Beyond the peninsula and Broad Channel, AD 23 encompasses the neighborhoods of Ozone Park, Lindenwood, and Howard Beach. Sullivan will be on the ballot in the November election, facing Pesach Osina of the Democratic and Community First parties, who has received several endorsements from Democrat leaders.
