Everyone’s waiting on Linda Rosenthal

In just two weeks, state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal will officially vacate his seat in the state Legislature, setting off a special election for the 47th Senate District. But while public speculation has abounded for other upcoming special elections, with candidates speaking publicly about their interest in running, mum’s been the word for the West Side senate seat. That’s because everyone is in a holding pattern, waiting to see what Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal may do.

An Upper West Side staple well-liked by her constituents, Rosenthal is considered the heir apparent for the seat… if she wants it. Kyle Ishmael, chair of the Manhattan Democratic County Committee which will choose the special election candidate, said Rosenthal would likely clear the field if she runs. “I think there’s a strong sense of unity, collegiality and mutual respect among the Dem leaders and reps in that district,” he said in a text to City & State. “I’m not sure what personal preferences are, but I do know they’ve put a premium on respecting Linda’s seniority, so she’s exercising the deference she’s being afforded and taking her time to decide.”

Rosenthal has privately thought about what to do for months, but she still has not come to a decision on whether she'd like to run, or stick with the Assembly, where she has worked her way up over two decades to become chair of the powerful Housing Committee. The state Senate is more prestigious, but Rosenthal would have less influence as a first-term senator. She told City & State on Monday that she is “still weighing my options.” In the meantime, other potential candidates are largely keeping quiet. “We all await the Queen’s next move,” Ishamel said in a text to City & State.

One such candidate is Assembly Member Tony Simone, who hasn't been shy about his interest in Hoylman-Sigal’s seat. City & State first reported last year that Simone would run for state Senate in the event Hoylman-Sigal became Manhattan borough president. Ishmael said that if Rosenthal opts not to seek the party nomination in the special election, leaders would likely coalesce around Simone instead. 

In a text to City & State, Simone said he is “honored to be in consideration and excited about the possibility.” When Rep. Jerry Nadler announced he would retire from Congress, Simone’s name was one of many floated as interested in replacing the senior statesman. But he ultimately did not announce in that crowded race in favor of trying his hand at the state Senate. “I look forward to the process beginning and am dedicated to ensuring the west side has strong representation in the state Senate,” Simone said. 

Although politicos are antsy to get the ball rolling, Rosenthal does still have more time to decide as Hoylman-Sigal has not resigned his seat in the state Senate yet. Only then will the special election clock begin to tick, prompting local Democratic leaders to pick a nominee. A meeting to designate a candidate likely won't take place until mid- or late January at the earliest. So for now, West Side voters continue to await a decision from the queen.