You are reading

Second Candidate Vying to be Queens Borough President Files Lawsuit

Queens borough president candidate Dao Yin (Dao Yin)

May 11, 2020 By Allie Griffin

A second Queens borough president candidate has filed a lawsuit against Governor Andrew Cuomo for cancelling the special election for the position.

Dao Yin, a Bayside businessman and community activist, filed suit against Cuomo in Queens Supreme Court Friday — hours after candidate and former prosecutor Jim Quinn sued Cuomo as well.

Both men hope the court will force Cuomo to reinstate the nonpartisan special election.

Quinn was knocked out of the race when Cuomo signed an executive order cancelling the special election late last month in favor of the primary election scheduled for the same day because he had only petitioned to run for the nonpartisan special election.

The special election was rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic from its original March 24 date to June 23 — the same day as the Democratic primary. The governor then axed the special election altogether instead of having two separate elections for the same position on the same day — forcing Quinn off the ballot.

Yin is still on the ballot for the primary election, but decided to take legal action arguing that Cuomo’s executive order was an illegal abuse of power, he said.

“I’m on the ballot for Queens Borough President either way, but calling out Governor Cuomo’s transparent power grab is the right thing to do,” Yin said.

Yin said Cuomo’s decision to cancel the special election, which was nonpartisan, in favor of a Democratic primary for the position disenfranchises all voters who aren’t registered Democrats.

The order also trashes thousands of votes that were cast during the early voting period in March before the March 24 election date was cancelled.

“It’s often said that every vote counts, but if Cuomo’s late-night executive order were allowed to stand, those votes literally will not be counted,” Yin said.

“For Governor Cuomo to change the rules of the game at the last minute in order to benefit his cronies is an outrage,” he added.

Yin’s attorney said Cuomo was playing to the Queens Machine desires.

“Cuomo’s actions are designed to manipulate the election,” said Aaron Foldenauer, Dao Yin’s attorney.  “Without a Special Election, only registered Democrats will be eligible to vote…thus helping the Queens Machine and leaving approximately 450,000 Queens voters without the right to choose the person to lead the Borough during these challenging times.”

The primary election next month will be followed by a general election for Queens borough president in November.

Acting Borough President Sharon Lee will remain in office through the end of the year and the winner of the November general election will take over on Jan 1, 2021.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Borough President recommends approval of One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced on Monday a long list of recommendations to approve the city’s One LIC Neighborhood Plan with conditions.

The sweeping proposal entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in April, following certification by the City Planning Commission, and aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create nearly 14,700 housing units—including 4,300 affordable homes—alongside 14,400 jobs, over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space and expanded access to the East River waterfront.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.