Zellnor Myrie, Democratic candidate for the 20th State Senate District, today received the endorsement of three Brooklyn City Council Members including Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington), Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) and Antonio Reynoso (Greenpoint, Williamsburg).
The progressive council members expressed their support for Myrie’s platform of expanding affordable housing, fully funding public schools, and defending immigrant rights. They also emphasized the importance of electing “real” Democrats to the State Senate, criticizing Myrie’s opponent, Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) for what they say was his role in blocking progressive legislation as a member of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC).
Lander had previously endorsed Hamilton in his 2014 primary election – before Hamilton broke away from the Senate Democrats in 2016.
“Zellnor Myrie represents the change we need to see in our community – to better protect the rights of women, of immigrants, of tenants, of all New Yorkers – and I’m proud to endorse him in his run for New York State Senate,” said Lander. “Zellnor is a passionate advocate, committed to our shared values. He will bring a sharp mind and much-needed leadership to the New York State Senate. And he is a true-blue Democrat we can count on. I look forward to working closely together with Zellnor to strengthen grassroots democracy in Brooklyn.”
“It is long overdue that Brooklyn residents have leaders in Albany that speak to our Democratic values,” said Reynoso. “We need representation that serves our communities and supports our party, not representation that inflates their self interest. Zellnor Myrie understands this. He is committed to the issues that matter to the constituents of District 20. He has a strong record of advocacy and a true progressive vision for Brooklyn – that’s why I’m proud to endorse Zellnor Myrie for State Senate.”
Speaking on behalf of Menchaca was Genesis Aquino (Democratic Female District Leader candidate for AD-51). She said, “Decisions in the hands of the State Senate have high stakes for Sunset Park and all of Senate District 20 – yet the incumbent helped put Republicans in control. This September, we’ll finally have the opportunity to elect a real Democrat. Zellnor Myrie will fight to make New York a sanctuary state, ensure pro-tenant housing laws, and fully fund our public schools. That’s why progressive leaders are proudly endorsing him.”
The primary is Sept. 13. The district includes all or parts of Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park.
