Last night marriage equality supporters in New York State notched a victory with the special election of Queens Assemblyman Jose Peralta over incumbent (albeit expelled) Sen. Hiram Monserrate. With 95% reporting, the margin was a whopping 66-32%. Monserrate was one of just eight Democrats to vote against marriage equality, flip-flopping on his years of support and promises. He also joined the Pedro Espada-led Republican coup that left the State Senate in limbo for weeks. He was heavily targeted by LGBT advocates and organizations, including some close friends who live in the district. It is, as Duncan Osborne writes, a key first step in the State Senate.
We fell eight votes short of marriage in New York State, given that the Assembly had already passed legislation and Gov. Paterson led the effort for a Senate vote on it, and would have signed it. Seven more to go. Given Monserrate's conviction, expulsion and other litany of problems, he was be the easiest to defeat. There will be tough fight on other fronts. Sen. Onorato from Astoria opted not to run for re-election, and Assemblyman Mike Gianaris, a very strong LGBT ally and marriage supporter, is extremely likely to win the seat. Sen. Frank Padavan, a Republican also from Queens, may receive a challenge from former NYC Councilman Tony Avella. Other races may also pop up. It's also important to make sure allies who voted for the bill keep their seats so wavering Senators next time can see supporting marriage equality isn't political suicide.
We still have a great deal of road to cover, but we are well on our way towards winning the allies needed in New York State.
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