Ex-Markowitz aide seeks Lopez’s old seat
A former Borough Hall staffer who now heads Borough President Marty Markowitz’s “Best of Brooklyn” charity is now seeking Vito Lopez’ former 53rd District (Williamsburg-Bushwick) seat in the state Assembly.
Jason Otaño, former general counsel to Markowitz, who will face at least two opponents in the Democratic primary, has been endorsed by many of the borough’s political heavy hitters, including Congresswoman Nydia Velazaquez, Councilwoman Diana Reyna and Markowitz himself.
Velazquez and Reyna also backed Otaño last year when he ran unsuccessfully against state Senator Martin Dilan, whose Senate district includes Williamsburg, Bushwick, part of Greenpoint, part of East New York and Cypress Hills.