Ex-GOP Officials Plot Against Queens Councilman’s Chosen Candidates

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In a heated political dispute, Queens Councilman Robert Holden has accused political operative Robert Hornak of collaborating with former Queens Republican Party officials to support Democratic candidate Paul Pogozelski’s bid for his City Council seat, potentially undermining two candidates Holden endorses.

The controversy emerged when Pogozelski enlisted Hornak, who previously served as executive director of the Queens County Republican Party, as a campaign consultant. Holden, who identifies as a moderate Democrat, has thrown his support behind two members of his district office staff – Republican Alicia Vaichunas and Democrat Phil Wong – while alleging that Pogozelski is falsely claiming Holden’s endorsement.

“Paul Pogozelski is clearly operating from the dirty playbook crafted by the disgraced former members of the Queens Republican machine — lying about endorsements, attacking the character of residents, and taking credit for accomplishments he had nothing to do with,” Holden said.

NYC Councilman Robert Holden (D) says Kathy Hochul is trying to remove Mayor Adams bc he met with Tom Homan and agreed to work with ICE…

Many on Social media are wondering why isn't this in being characterized as racist, since Adams is black and Hochul is white pic.twitter.com/rqXPUqpkzO

— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) February 19, 2025

“Now he’s brought one of its chief architects, Robert Hornak, directly into his campaign — an operative closely tied to former public officials with corruption issues and some who served prison time.”

Hornak’s political history includes connections to a significant corruption case from over a decade ago. While serving as a prominent Queens GOP figure, his then-colleagues Vincent Tabone and Dan Halloran were convicted in a $200,000 bribery scheme aimed at securing the Republican mayoral nomination for Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith in 2013. Though Hornak faced no charges, the other three politicians served prison sentences following their convictions in federal court.

Recent developments reveal that Halloran faces additional legal troubles after being caught with numerous child sex abuse videos at Miami International Airport this week.

OH SNAP!!! Democrat NYC Councilmember Robert Holden just exposed the real reason his party is suddenly turning on Eric Adams.

"I'm a Democrat, but I see it, I see it plain as day here. When Tom Homan appeared with Mayor Adams on Fox and Friends, it hit the fan."

There's no… pic.twitter.com/som7C2iiHE

— George (@BehizyTweets) February 18, 2025

According to Pogozelski, his campaign paid $3,000 to Hornak’s consulting firm, Lexington Public Affairs, in January, but their professional relationship lasted less than a month.

The race includes other notable candidates such as Democrat Dermot Smyth, a United Federation of Teachers strategist endorsed by Borough President Donovan Richards, and Republican Jonathan Rinaldi, known as “The Sperminator” for his role as an unvaccinated sperm donor with at least 12 biological children.

Responding to the allegations, Pogozelski stated, “Councilmember Holden’s statements are false and a reflection of how he has conducted business in the district. I’m a moderate Democrat with traditional values. I’m here to bring new leadership to the district. My grassroots campaign is gaining support in Holden’s backyard, so it’s clear people are looking for a new face in local government.”