Democratic Socialist Brian Romero, the presumptive winner in New York’s 34th Assembly District, removed a GoFundMe campaign requesting $2,000 for rent and groceries after public scrutiny emerged. The fundraiser, which had raised over $1,000 from 13 donors, was withdrawn Friday following inquiries from the New York Post.
Romero, who won the June Democratic primary and faces no Republican opposition in November, stated he left his job as a senior adviser to state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez earlier this year due to ethics guidance after becoming a candidate. He cited depleted savings and difficulty securing unemployment benefits as reasons for the appeal.
Transition to elected office
Romero’s campaign said he had saved for months to cover living expenses but exhausted those funds as consulting work concluded. The fundraiser described the request as temporary support during the transition to his role in the state legislature, where he would earn an annual salary of $142,000 upon taking office.
Public reaction and criticism
The online appeal drew criticism given Romero’s expected salary and the district’s strong Democratic lean. Critics questioned the timing and necessity of the request, while supporters defended it as a personal financial challenge amid a career transition.
Ethics and financial context
Romero’s campaign confirmed he resigned from his prior position to comply with state ethics rules for candidates. The fundraiser’s removal followed scrutiny over whether the request aligned with his financial circumstances and public expectations for elected officials.
Background on the race
The 34th Assembly District, located in Queens, is a heavily Democratic area where Romero’s victory in the primary effectively secures his seat in the legislature. His campaign did not provide further comment on the fundraiser’s withdrawal beyond Romero’s initial statement.