US News

GOPER WANTS BACK SEAT FROM SEX POL

A June special election is shaping up to replace City Councilman Dennis Gallagher – who is expected to plead guilty to a sex-assault charge – with a group of candidates including one who once occupied the seat.

Tom Ognibene, the former council minority leader, told The Post yesterday he was planning to run. He was term-limited out of the Queens seat won by Gallagher, a fellow Republican.

Other likely candidates include Republican Anthony Como, a lawyer and former Queens prosecutor backed by influential Republican state Sen. Serph Maltese, and Democrat Elizabeth Crowley, cousin of Rep. Joe Crowley.

Sources said Democrat Angelo DiGangi, who already filed papers to run for the seat next year, is a possible candidate this year.

The Post reported two days ago that Gallagher reached an agreement with Queens DA Richard Brown over a rape accusation. He would plead to a misdemeanor and avoid jail, but give up his seat.

Sources said Gallagher is set to vacate his seat April 17. The special election must be held within 45 days.