The Bay Ridge Democrats (BRD) last week endorsed Assemblymember Michael Blake (D-Bronx) for Public Advocate in the February 26 Special Election.
The endorsement surprisingly shunned Brooklyn candidates City Council Members Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick, Cypress Hills, East New York) and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (D-Brownsville).
BRD President Chris McCreight said the endorsement came after all the top candidates came before the club in December. Candidates Nomiki Konst and Ydanis Rodriguez said they were coming but didn’t show up.
As is the BRD policy, club membership votes for all endorsements and the executive committee goes with the membership pick.
“We’re thrilled to endorse Michael Blake as our choice for the next New York City Public Advocate. He is an effective leader in the state legislature who has fought for education and equity across our state,” said McCreight.
“Michael understands that public transportation is a Bay Ridge issue, and has advocated for the expansion, modernization, and rehabilitation of the R train. He understands the need for buses and trains to be frequently running and on time. He is the best choice to deliver real change, and that is why we are proud to support Michael Blake for the next New York City Public Advocate,” he added.
McCreight said the club will be very active in getting out the vote for Blake in the bay Ridge area.
“It is truly an honor to have the endorsement of Bay Ridge Democrats in our campaign for New York City Public Advocate. With millions of New Yorker’s relying on the MTA, I will demand a permanent member on the MTA board to fight for signal repairs and greater transportation access across the city,” said Blake.
“As the child of Jamaican immigrants, I’m also proud to stand in solidarity with Bay Ridge’s growing Muslim community as they demand dignity and respect in their own communities. Your Public Advocate must work for Jobs and Justice for all New Yorkers, and I’m proud receive the support of a group that represents such a diverse section of our city,” he added.
Blake was born and raised in The Bronx to Jamaican immigrants and is now in his third term as an assembly member. He helped lead the efforts to create the first and only statewide My Brother’s Keeper education program in the country and helped lead the charge to Raise The Age of criminal responsibility.
Previously, Blake served as Associate Director of Public Engagement and Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs under President Obama. He has helped expand the electorate nationwide through his work in President Obama’s campaigns and in his current role as one of the Democratic National Committee Vice Chairs.
Blake is also a lay minister, a Rodel Fellow in the Aspen Institute and a former Harvard Institute of Politics Resident Fellow.
