Darius Shahinfar Cruises to Victory to Become Albany Treasurer

November 6, 2013, Albany, NY – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) congratulates Darius Shahinfar on his victory in the election for City Treasurer of Albany.   The election marks the second time an Iranian American has been voted to public office in the State of New York. 

Shahinfar won the Democratic primary for Albany Treasurer on September 10, 2013, defeating  Albany County Legislator Gary Domalewicz by a 27-point margin.  Having secured all third-party endorsements, and given that there were no Republicans running in the race, Shahinfar was all but assured victory in Tuesday’s general election.

The City Treasurer is Albany’s Chief Fiscal Officer, responsible for the custody and disbursement of city funds, making investments on the city’s behalf, preparing the city’s financial statements, and supervising the Parking Authority, among other duties. 

Shahinfar’s campaign gained significant endorsements from public officials and community leaders, including U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand and newly elected Mayor of Albany Kathy Sheehan, who actively supported Shahinfar as her successor for the position of Treasurer.

A first-generation American of Iranian descent, Shahinfar graduated from Bates College in 1988 and Albany Law School in 1997, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Albany Law Review. He has worked in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. His experiences include working as a Deputy County Attorney and as Regional Representative for then Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand.

Shahinfar and his wife, Albany County Legislator Noelle Kinsch, live in Albany’s 9th ward with their children Jackson and Ava.