John D. Calandra, Jr. (August 8, 1928 — January 20, 1986)[1] was a New York State Senator from the Bronx and chairman of the Bronx Republican Party. A lawyer and former United States Attorney, Calandra ran unsuccessfully for the State Senate in 1962 and 1964, losing both times to Democrat Joseph Marine.[2][3]
In 1965, he was elected by defeating Democrat James J. Farrell after the senatorial districts were redrawn to favor Republican candidates.[4] In 1967, Calandra ran for Bronx District Attorney, but lost. In the New York State Senate, he rose to the rank of majority whip. He served in the State Senate until his death in 1986, aged 57, after suffering a series of heart attacks. He also served as chairman of the Bronx County Republican Party from 1970 until his death.[5]
His widow, JoAnn Calandra, ran in a special election to take over his Senate seat in April 1986, but she was defeated by Guy Velella.[6] In 1996, Calandra's son, John J. Calandra, an attorney, ran for the Assembly in the Bronx, but was soundly defeated by incumbent Democrat Stephen B. Kaufman.
The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, which is located in Manhattan but under the aegis of Queens College, New York City is named in Calandra's honor.
| New York State Senate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Owen Begley |
New York State Senate, 38th District 1966 |
Succeeded by Jay Rolison |
| Preceded by Jerome Schutzer |
New York State Senate, 33rd District 1967–1972 |
Succeeded by Abraham Bernstein |
| Preceded by John E. Flynn |
New York State Senate, 34th District 1973–1986 |
Succeeded by Guy Velella |