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Democratic State Senate candidate and Ozone Park lawyer Albert Baldeo announced he would drop out of the race and support his Democratic rival, Councilman Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), in a surprise move less than three weeks before the 15th District’s primary election.

Baldeo nearly upset State Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale) in 2006 with an insurgent campaign and revealed glaring weaknesses in the two-decade-Republican incumbent’s defense.

“The cause is bigger than each of us, and it is a decision I must make for the greater goals of the Democratic Party in our quest to secure the State Senate majority and put an end to Republican dysfunctionalism and gridlock in Albany,” Baldeo said during the announcement last Friday.

Baldeo vowed to commit his energy and resources to the Addabbo campaign despite an often terse relationship with the councilman. He failed an attempt to knock the councilman out of the race with ballot fraud accusations in court earlier this month. The charges were thrown out by the judge.

The Guyanese immigrant and community activist had spent months launching attacks on the councilman when it became clear that Democratic Party leaders were throwing their support behind Addabbo.

Despite his past criticisms, Baldeo insisted he had reconciled his differences with Addabbo and was confident he was the right person to bring the community’s issues to Albany.

“He’s a great candidate,” Baldeo said. “We have to look at the positive picture. We have to move on.”

Addabbo praised Baldeo’s efforts and embraced his former rival’s endorsement and support.

“Albert has been a worthy opponent and I applaud his whole hearted embrace of the democratic process. The Democratic Party is the party of inclusion, it’s a big tent with room for everyone, and we are stronger for his efforts. I look forward to working together as we head into November to bring real reform to Albany and accomplish our shared goals of increased funding for education, better jobs and benefits, increased access to government services, and improving the lives of middle class and hard working people. The voters of the 15th Senate District deserve nothing less,” Addabbo said.

Both Baldeo and Addabbo stressed the importance of the election in changing not just the district, but the entire State’s political landscape.

“Voting for Joe Addabbo is voting for a Democratic State Senate.” Baldeo said. “This is a watershed event.”

With only two State Senate seats separating New York Democrats from majority control of the State government and a seemingly vulnerable incumbent, the 15th District has become the center of a battle for control of Albany.

Maltese won a slim victory over the little-known and under-supported Democratic contender in 2006 – squeaking by on a one percent margin, edged over by support from local third parties.

While the senator appeared on three ballots – Republican, Independent and Conservative – Baldeo only appeared on the Democrat’s ballot.

Addabbo’s supporters said they expect the councilman will appear on the Working Families Party ballot as well as the Democratic ballot this year.

Although Baldeo has dropped his candidacy, the decision comes too late to formally remove his name from the Sept. 9 ballot.

Baldeo said he plans to continue his Liberty Avenue law practice and community advocacy work after the election in November.