PAAIA Congratulates Darius Shahinfar on Historic Primary Election Win

Set to become the second Iranian American to be elected to public office in the State of NY

September 11, 2013, Albany, NY – Darius Shahinfar claimed victory in Tuesday’s primary election for City Treasurer of Albany, New York.

Unofficial results show Shahinfar with 61% of the vote, while his opponent, County Legislator Gary Domalewicz, earned 34% percent. Both men were seeking to succeed current treasurer Kathy Sheehan, who won the primary election to become the next mayor of Albany.

Having secured all third party endorsements, and given that there are no Republicans running in the race, Shahinfar will likely be unchallenged in the 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 Treasurer Sheehan, who actively supported Shahinfar as her successor.

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 a Regional Representative for then Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand.

Darius Shahinfar was endorsed and supported by the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the connected PAC of PAAIA. IAPAC supports and promotes the election of candidates for federal, state, and local office, regardless of party affiliation, who are attuned to the domestic needs of the Iranian American community. IAPAC also encourages and Iranian Americans to actively participate in the American electoral process and supports Iranian American candidates for public office.