The Queens Gazette endorses Assemblymember Jose Peralta in Tuesday’s special election for the 13th state senate district seat left vacant when Hiram Monserrate was expelled by his colleagues last month.

Monserrate, running as an independent, will oppose Peralta, who has been endorsed by the Queens Democratic Party. Also in the race is Robert Beltrani, a Republican–Conservative administrative law judge who resides in Jackson Heights. Beltrani is not given much chance of winning in the heavily Democratic district.

Peralta, from Corona, had a long record of community activism before being elected to the Assembly several years ago. As a legislator, most of this attention has been focused on his district’s needs—on issues such a education, affordable housing and programs for creating jobs.

Besides being supported by the Democratic Party, Peralta has also compiled a long and impressive list of endorsements from public officials, municipal and private industry labor organizations and women’s organizations, the last named attracted to him by his strong stance against domestic violence, one of the central issues in the race because of the assault case involving Monserrate that led to his expulsion from the senate.

In addition to the criminal charge against Monserrate, Tuesday’s election will be a test of his involvement with two or three colleagues early last year in a power grab which tied up the senate, the legislature and New York state government for about six weeks.

Many of Peralta’s endorsements reflect general dissatisfaction with Monserrate’s involvement in that sorry episode. One such endorsement, from City Comptroller John Liu, carried a statement: “We need individuals in Albany who will bring stability to the legislature and put the needs of the people first.”

We heartily agree.