It’s another day and another endorsement for State Senate candidate Jessica Ramos.
Ramos received today her third key backing this month, this time from City Comptroller Scott Stringer. Stringer, standing to her right, told residents at the Comfort Adult Day Care Center in Corona that Ramos was a “proud Democrat” needed to counteract Republicans in Washington.
“In the era of Trump, it is now more important than ever that we support Democrats,” Stringer said. “But we need to support Democrats so that when they get elected, they’re going to still be Democrats in the State Senate.”
This announcement comes after both City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Maspeth, Sunnyside, Woodside) and City Councilmember Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, Jackson Heights, Woodside, East Elmhurst) also supported Ramos against incumbent State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside). Stringer is the first city official to favor Ramos in the race.
Stringer, like Van Bramer and Constantinides, addressed the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) as a group that is “hurting our city.” He elaborated that Democrats should stick to working with their own party members to pass progressive legislation.
“Democrats have actually won these seats. They go to Albany, but instead of working with the Democrats, they work with the Republicans. There’s imbalance,” he said.
Ramos appreciated Stringer’s support and added that Stringer knew more than anyone how important the state’s finances are with a Republican majority in Albany.
“We know the Independent Democratic Conference shouldn’t be threatening to take away city funds, such as the sales tax, to fund MTA fixes,” she said.
Peralta’s campaign responded to the endorsement with a spokesperson noting that the Comptroller was “playing politics.”
“While Senator Peralta is focused on delivering results for his constituents on public housing, fixing the MTA, immigration and funding education, it seems that Scott Stringer is playing politics to satisfy his mayoral ambitions. He should focus on his day job, we will not be distracted by his useless politicking,” said Jennifer Blatus, a campaign spokesperson.
After the short press conference, Ramos answered in Spanish some questions from residents. One woman expressed concerns about rising rents. Ramos, a Jackson Heights resident, discussed that Albany lawmakers control too much power over local New York City issues.
“In this moment, it is Albany that dictates rent regulations in New York City and other parts of the state. As we know, not all the cities are the same. New York City is more expensive than any other city,” she said.
The Democratic primary is set for Thursday, September 13.
