Johanna Carmona announced Friday that she is running to represent the 37th Assembly District (Photo: Carmona for Assembly)
Feb. 28, 2022 By Christian Murray
A life-long Sunnyside resident who is currently a Community Board 2 member announced Friday that she is running for the 37th Assembly District seat and has been endorsed by Assembly Member Cathy Nolan who is retiring from the seat.
Johanna Carmona, 32, who was an assistant district attorney in the special victims bureau with the Kings County District Attorney’s office from 2017-2000, announced that she is running for the seat that covers Sunnyside, Maspeth, Ridgewood, and the Hunters Point section of Long Island City.
Her announcement came with the endorsement of Nolan, who said earlier this month that she is retiring after being in office for 38 years.
Carmona is the fourth person to announce a run for the seat. Juan Ardila, James Magee and Vlad Pavlyuk announced earlier this month that they too seek to represent the district. All four candidates are Democrats.
(L-R) Juan Ardila, Jim Magee and Vlad Pavlyuk are vying to represent the 37th Assembly District
Carmona, who grew up on 41st Street, currently works for the law firm of Slater Slater Schulman where she represents sexual abuse victims. She is also on the board of the 108 Precinct Community Council that consists of volunteers that aim to improve police community relations.
“I love western Queens and have volunteered to give back to a community that has done so much for me,” Carmona said. “Running for office will allow me to do more for the people of our neighborhoods. I am not a professional politician. I am a person who cares about what is happening in our city and wants to make it better for everyone.”
Carmona, the daughter of Colombian immigrants, would be the first Latino to represent the district if she were to win.
She said that she would focus on environmental justice, with a special focus on the Newtown Creek; fighting for LGBTQIA rights; disability rights; and women’s rights.
In an interview with the Queens Post, Carmona said that she is also concerned about the rise in crime and said that the bail reform laws need to be tweaked. However, she said that supported the bail reform measures that Albany passed in 2019 for the most part.
She said that she would also bring a nuanced approach to dealing with the police. She said that while police brutality needs to be addressed, she has seen the good work officers do.
“What happened to George Floyd was absolutely horrible. Like I remember calling my friends from the Brooklyn attorney’s office and watching the video and we’re like, ‘This is absolute murder’…But I have worked with some amazing officers in special victims, where the victims have come up to me and spoken about their compassion.”
She said that the officers she has worked with at the 108 Precinct have also been responsive, but she is aware of people’s frustrations who feel like they’re not being heard.
Nolan who has known Carmona for years is in full support of her candidacy.
“Johanna is someone who does the hard work that makes a difference,” Nolan said in a statement. “She knows what needs to be done to help our families and students, support our neighborhoods and rebuild our city and state.”
“She will continue to work on issues like paid family leave, which need additional support in Albany. She supports funding for public transportation, education and the labor movement,” Nolan added.
Carmona has also been endorsed by the Ridgewood Democratic Club.
The primary election is scheduled for June 28, 2022.
The 37th Assembly District has been modified with redistricting. It no longer goes into Astoria and does not cover Court Square, Queens Plaza, Dutch Kills, Queensbridge and Ravenswood.
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18 Comments
I met Johanna. She referred to herself in the third person, without a whiff of irony. I figure that she is cut out for the New York State Assembly.
Why attack a women trying to run for office?? None of the men who threw there names into the election are facing this type of scrutiny or backlash. It’s 2022 and Women’s Month!! It’s such a double standard the hurdles women have to go thru when they run for office. This individual seems to cross all the T and dot the i with her experience and background.
This is not an attack, but an anecdote.
She actually has an identical twin who was out supporting her.
My mom has been living in the 11104 since 1959, invoked with politics and has NEVER heard of this gal.
She seems to be least awful… it sounds like there’s some openness to listen to both sides and not the progressive echo chamber.
I have never heard of this person in my life
She may be the least awful
Bail reform must be revoked
She sounds like THE best candidate to represent us in Albany! Terrific background for the job, with relevant legal credentials and a track record of community service. Cathy Nolan’s endorsement means a lot to me, so I’m thrilled we have such a great candidate to vote for!
She has zero track record for community service. Just another set up. She was put on CB for appearances. She’s done nothing. Please stop electing neophytes!
What!!! Cleary Peggy didn’t read the article, let me break it down for you she has worked with the 108th precinct Community Council. How is that not being involved with the Community??!! Girl Bye!! Stating that she was put on the board because of her looks is low, thou it is not new in politics. It definitely reminds me of when JFK was running for president and his opponents said he would attract the vote of the women because of his looks. No!! She is a candidate with an exceptional background who has a creditable background.
She deserves a shot and if endorsed by Nolan the better as long as the snake JVB not in the mix, best he stay out of it and continue with the Girl Scouts counting cookie sales, that’s a good career path for him.
It’s good to see some diversity in the candidates, I do think she may have a shot at winning. I wish nothing but the best for this candidate on this campaign. I do know her personally and have witness her go above and beyond in helping people, especially when facing legal trouble. The community knows her very well, District 37 would be in amazing hands if she is elected.
Yes!!!!!!! This is what we need. Someone who knows the district, lives in the district, and has supported the district their whole lives!!!!
Supported the district her whole life? Then why doesn’t anyone know her? Please list 5 examples of how she has personally helped our community.
It’s impossible for anyone to everyone in the district. Especially when you don’t post everything on social media or ask for media coverage for clout, which is how you know who the true ones are. Have you been a part of sunnyside community services? Why don’t you look back at the woodside herald from 2012-2014 for the drives she held during winter seasons. Have you been a part of the local church? She was mychilds catechist at the age of 15. Have you been a part of senior care? She is an advocate for disability rights. Have you participated in 108 meetings and been a liaison? She has bent over backwards for justice in our streets and treating police officers and citizens fairly. Maybe you can reach out to them for more information.
Ive never seen a damn Peggy in the neighborhood.
I have personally seen johanna volunteer for all of these programs since she was the age of 14. I never knew if it was her or her twin but both are a major part of the community.
If you didn’t know her, now you do.
“I’ve never seen a damn Peggy in the neighborhood.” Me neither.
Thank you for setting the record (and Peggy) straight.
We all know that Peggy is code for JVB. He’s just salty he can’t get back into politics, Thank God.