Queens Assembly hopeful Brian Romero launches and then pulls down personal GoFundMe plea

Brian Romero, a former aide to state Senator Kristen Gonzalez, is the clear Democratic favorite to win the 34th Assembly district seat covering parts of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. After resigning his advisory post in March due to campaign-related ethics advice, he found himself unable to meet the $2,600 rent on his Jackson Heights apartment. In early August he launched a GoFundMe titled “Help Brian Cover Rent After State Assembly Run,” seeking $2,000 and raising about $1,095 before deleting the fundraiser following media inquiries.

The campaign drew both known supporters and anonymous donors, the latter of which would be prohibited as campaign contributions. Romero defended the appeal as a temporary measure, saying he kept the donations and received direct help from friends, while also criticizing New York’s unemployment insurance system. Once sworn in, he will earn a $142,000 salary plus a $203 daily per diem, and opponents argue that soliciting personal aid undermines public confidence in a lawmaker who will help allocate state funds.