Gounardes formerly served as a trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System,[8] and as a member of Brooklyn Community Board 10.[9] Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Gounardes, along with Justin Brannan, founded the nonprofit Bay Ridge Cares, which assisted local residents with disaster relief.[10]
New York Senate
Gounardes first ran against Republican Senator Marty Golden in 2012, but lost.[11] In a traditionally politically conservative area, Golden proved to be a popular incumbent due to his name recognition and strong constituent services.[12] Golden even ran unopposed in 2016.[13]
However, in 2018, Golden faced scrutiny after it was publicized that he had failed to pay a number of parking tickets, and was illegally posing as a police officer to run red lights.[14] He also utilized illegal parking placards.[15] As a result, and along with the national political climate, Golden was seen as vulnerable by New York political operatives.[16] Gounardes declared his candidacy in early 2018.[17] After defeating journalist Ross Barkan in the Democratic primary,[18] he went on to defeat Golden in the general election, 51% to 49%.[19]
In the Senate, Gounardes serves as Chairman of the Committee on Civil Service and Pensions.[20]
