Silverstein Exits Race for Halloran's Seat

Democratic state committeeman Matthew Silverstein has dropped out of the race for Councilman Dan Halloran’s seat.

On Sunday, Silverstein announced that he did not intend to compete in September’s crowded primary for the 19th Council District seat, citing recent personal challenges, including the death of his mother from cancer.

Silverstein said he has still not decided which candidate in the race to back at this point.

“I decided to run for New York City Council this year because I felt that New York City is on the wrong path,” he wrote in his announcement that he was ending his bid. “I believe that the 19th Council District needs a strong councilmember who can deliver much needed resources to the people of this neighborhood.”

Silverstein said he jumped into the race with the intention to fight for tax equity for co-op and condo owners, preserving northeast Queens’ quality of life and advocating for veterans.

The Democrats who will contend in the fall’s primary include Flushing attorney Paul Vallone, who is the brother of Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., former state Assemblyman John Duane, long-time community activist Paul Graziano and Austin Shafran, who recently served as the vice president of public relations for Empire State Development.

Halloran, R-Whitestone, currently does not face any Republican challengers.