He’s baaaack: Eon Huntley files to challenge Stefani Zinerman again

It’s déjà vu all over again. 

Socialist Eon Huntley filed Thursday to run against Democratic Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman for a second time, state campaign finance records show. 

While Huntley did not commit to running, only telling City & State via text he is “exploring a run,” the filing comes a day after the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America – which backed him over the moderate Zinerman last year – held an endorsement forum for Assembly and state Senate candidates. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed Huntley spoke and responded to members’ questions. 

Though Huntley made quite a splash against Zinerman in 2024, mobilizing grassroots support and earning notable sums of public matching funds, he came up short in the Democratic primary, losing by less than 6 points. Not only did Zinerman have the support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and state Attorney General Letitia James, but she also received significant financial support from super PACs affiliated with major real estate figures and pro-charter school interest groups. It didn’t help that Huntley lived just outside the central Brooklyn district, a point Zinerman seized on. 

Though the state Board of Elections database lists the out-of-district address Huntley filed under for the 2024 race on his new filing, Huntley said he moved into the district in March. Records show that he is also registered to vote in the district. 

Huntley’s potential second bid comes after New York City Council Member Chi Ossé, whose district overlaps with Zinerman’s, went public with his frustrations with the Assembly member and called on someone to challenge her, sparking renewed discussion. Ossé made clear he has no interest in challenging Zinerman and is now reportedly considering a run against Jeffries. 

Zinerman did not immediately return a request for comment about Huntley’s filing.