#Assemblywoman booted off Democratic ballot to run on independent line

New York Assemblywoman Rebecca A. Seawright
Hans Pennink

Three-term Upper East Side state Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright – who was knocked off the Democratic Party ballot line over paperwork snafus this spring during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic — has gathered more than 5,100 signatures to qualify to run on an independent ballot line.

Seawright will run under the “Rise and Unite” indy banner in the 76th Assembly District, encompassing the Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island.

The number of signatures she received is nearly five times the 1,050 voter signatures required – meaning she will likely survive any legal challenge to her petitions.

Seawright will face off against Republican Louis Puliafito, who works as a doorman at an UES luxury apartment building. She will submit her petitions to the Board of Elections this week ahead of the July 30 filing deadline.

Should Seawright not quality for ballot status, Puliafito will waltz into office with no opposition.

But Seawright now believes she will win re-election on her own ballot line.

“I am energized by this spectacular outpouring from so many friends, neighbors, and constituents on the Upper East Side, Yorkville and Roosevelt Island,“ said Seawright as she thanked volunteers, district and community leaders, and supporters for their efforts on her behalf.

“While petitioning in the Assembly district, I was invigorated by so many voters and their words of encouragement to keep fighting to prevent the Trump Republicans from stealing the seat. As I have said from the beginning: We will be on the ballot for the November General Election. We are in it to win it.“

Among supporters who canvassed with Seawright to collect voter signatures included Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and state Sen. Liz Krueger, as well as volunteers from local Democratic clubs and civic organizations.

The state Court of Appeals upheld a city Board of Elections’ rulings that tossed Seawright off the ballot for failing to timely file cover sheets for voters she gathered to get on the Democratic Party and Working Family Party ballot lines. Seawright said she was suffering from coronavirus-like flu symptoms during the petition period.