The Kings County Democratic Executive Committee last night endorsed the city’s Democratic team of leaders including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate Letitia James and Comptroller Scott Stringer for re-election in September’s party primary.
Sources say James and Stringer, who were in attendance to state their case on why they deserved the committee’s endorsement at Bushwick’s Chimu Express restaurant where the meeting as held, were unanimously endorsed.
But eight or nine members wanted to table the vote on de Blasio until he came in person to state his case on why he should get the county endorsement. The majority of voters were against this though, and then de Blasio was endorsed with three or four members voting against it, and another seven or eight abstaining. The Executive Committee is made up of the 42 Assembly Democratic District Leaders.
“Mayor de Blasio has led this city for the last three years into an era of expanded opportunity, safer streets, improved schools, and the largest expansion and preservation of affordable housing in decades,” said Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio. “The Brooklyn Democratic executive committee is proud to stand with him, as well as with Public Advocate Tish James and Comptroller Scott Stringer, as they seek re-election to continue that progress.”
“And we note with pride that Mayor de Blasio and Public Advocate James are Brooklynites. We want to assure the Comptroller we can help find a place for him and his family to live in Brooklyn if he chooses to join us,” he added.
De Blasio thanked his home-borough Democratic leaders for the endorsement.
“Frank Seddio and the Kings County Democratic Committee have stood with us every day to make New York City stronger and fairer, and I am tremendously proud to have the support of my home borough,” said de Blasio. “In New York City, crime is at record lows, jobs are at record highs, and we are building affordable housing at a record pace, and together we will keep this progress going.”
Stringer also paid homage to Seddio and the Brooklyn Democratic Party. “As Comptroller, I have fought every day to make New York City a place where everyone has a fair and fighting chance to get ahead, and to build a city that is equitable, just and inclusive. And you can be certain that I will continue to stand up for those values in the years ahead as we all work together to make New York the best city it can be. I couldn’t do this work without the help of partners like the Brooklyn Democratic Party — looking forward to working together in the years ahead.”
James noted that she appreciated the support from her home borough.
“This show of support carries a special meaning from me, coming from Democrats in my beloved Brooklyn. I want to thank Chairman Frank Seddio and everyone at the Brooklyn Democratic Party for this endorsement,” said James.
“Indeed, it’s a recognition of our work in the Office of Public Advocate – legislating, litigating, and agitating for working people in every corner of New York City and standing up for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. We have passed more laws than all previous public advocates combined, taken legal action to protect children and tenants, brought body cameras to increase accountability and transparency in the NYPD, and fought for wage equity for women. And with our city facing challenges and opportunities as far as the eye can see, our work is only just beginning.”
The three citywide officials are expected to join Brooklyn elected and party officials at a rally scheduled for 1 p.m., April 27 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
