By David Brand

State Sen. Jessica Ramos has endorsed Councilmember Costa Constantinides for Queens borough president, lending her influence among Queens progressives to Constantinides’ campaign ahead of the March 24 special election.

Ramos, whose Senate District 13 includes Jackson Heights, Corona and Elmhurst, said her endorsement is based on her long relationship with Constantinides, as well as their shared housing and environmental goals. Constantinides represents Astoria and is chair of the City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection.

“Costa and I have envisioned the future of Queens together since we were young — one with good jobs, affordable housing and clean air,” Ramos said.

“We’ve been so close for so long. We’ve watched each other become parents and traverse tremendous challenges,” she added. “I believe in his lens and I believe a fairer Queens is possible.”

The pair of lawmakers worked together to expand the Queens County Young Democrats and have both served as Democratic district leaders, though they have distanced themselves from the county Democratic organization. The party declined to endorse Ramos in her bid for re-election to her district leader position in 2014 and Constantinides said last year that he would not seek re-election as district leader in accordance with a reform effort to prevent Queens lawmakers from also serving as district leaders.

“We tried to change [the Queens County Democratic organization] and it didn’t work, but we didn’t give up,” Ramos said.

Ramos’ endorsement comes about two years after Constantinides became the first Queens elected official to endorse her successful bid for state Senate. Ramos defeated incumbent Jose Peralta in the Democratic primary election in September 2018 after condemning Peralta for joining the Independent Democratic Conference, a faction of Democrats that caucused with Republicans and shifted the balance of power in the Senate.

“She has been the force of change New York needs,” Constantinides said. “I’m so excited to have her in our corner as we fight for a stronger borough.”

The Ramos endorsement is the latest development that could help Constantinides shore up progressive support across the borough ahead of the special election to replace former Borough President Melinda Katz. Katz took over as Queens district attorney on Jan. 1.

Jimmy Van Bramer, another Western Queens councilmember with progressive support, dropped out of the race last month, citing family reasons. Van Bramer had picked up endorsements from several prominent leftwing leaders, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and former candidate for governor Zephyr Teachout.

Ex-NYPD sergeant Anthony Miranda, a police reform advocate whose campaign has embraced far-left positions, was prevented from appearing on the special election ballot because of a clerical error. He is contesting his exclusion in court Monday.

Four other candidates are also running in the special election and will appear on the ballot.

Former Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley has raised the most money in the race and has received endorsements from the Transport Workers Union and several other labor unions.

Councilmember Donovan Richards received the endorsement of the Queens County Democratic Party and the United Federation of Teachers, among other influential unions.

Former Queens prosecutor James Quinn has recruited a team of prominent Queens conservatives, including Councilmember Robert Holden and former Republican Queens State Sen. Serf Maltese, to assist with his law-and-order campaign.

Entrepreneur and former tech industry controller Dao Yin has received support from various businesses in and around Flushing.

Early voting in the special election for Queens borough president begins March 14.