Assemblyman Francisco Moya is expected to bring out the big gun — Gov. Cuomo — in his City Council race against ex-con Hiram Monserrate.
Queens Democratic Party sources said the governor intends to endorse Moya in one of city’s most closely-watched Democratic contests.
“It will happen,” said one source.
Like much of the Democratic Party establishment, Cuomo doesn’t want Monserrate — a convicted crook and domestic violence abuser — serving in the Council.
Mayor de Blasio has already endorsed Moya in the Sept. 12 primary, as have elected officials and key labor unions.
It’s an important race for Rep. Joe Crowley, the Queens Democratic Part leader, whose congressional district overlaps with the 21st Councilmanic district covering Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.
“This is Crowley’s backyard. How can Moya lose in Crowley’s backyard? It would be a big embarrassment to the Queens Democratic Party,” the source said.
Monserrate was expelled from the state Senate after being convicted of misdemeanor assault following a brawl with his then girlfriend Karla Giraldo, which resulted in her face being slashed. He avoided jail time.
But he later pleaded guilty in 2012 to fraud for using city money to fund his jump from the City Council to the state Senate and served two years in prison.
In his comeback bid, Monserrate said he served his time and is reformed.
The Council seat opened after incumbent Julissa Ferreras announced she was not seeking re-election.
Cuomo and the Moya campaign declined comment.