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A Democratic Socialist vying for a New York Assembly seat in Queens faced public backlash after launching a crowdfunding campaign to cover living expenses while awaiting his swearing-in. Brian Romero, the Democratic nominee for the 34th Assembly District, removed the GoFundMe page Friday following inquiries from the New York Post about the $2,000 fundraising request.
Romero departed his position as senior adviser to state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez earlier this year once he formally entered the Assembly race, citing ethics guidelines that required the departure. Though he secured the Democratic primary in June and faces no Republican opponent in November, he stated he had exhausted his personal savings while seeking consulting work and struggled to access unemployment benefits.
According to the deleted post, Romero explained that he had “depleted my savings” while approaching the completion of several consulting contracts. The fundraiser indicated the money would assist with rent and food expenses during his transition to elected office, accumulating more than $1,000 from 13 donors before removal.
Critics noted the irony of the request given Romero’s expected salary of $142,000 annually as a state Assembly member, plus per diem payments during legislative sessions. Jordan Libowitz, vice president for communications at Citizens for Ethics in Washington, told the Post he could not identify any comparable instance of a lawmaker-elect publicly soliciting financial aid before taking office.
Romero acknowledged the misstep in an interview with the Post, characterizing the fundraiser as “a mistake” made hastily. He confirmed he did not retain any of the donated funds and said friends subsequently offered private financial support during his job search.
State payroll records showed Romero earned $106,469 last year as a legislative aide. The Post also reported he resides in a Jackson Heights apartment with his partner at a monthly rent of approximately $2,600.
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