Michael Tannousis, the Republican and Conservative Party candidate looking to succeed Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge, Staten Island) as the representative from the 64th Assembly District, this week received the endorsement from the Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
Tannousis was a prosecutor for seven years including three at the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted major felony cases including the successful retrial of the Ramada Inn murder case.
“It is my pleasure to endorse Mike Tannousis in his candidacy for the New York State Assembly. Mike’s commitment to addressing the issues affecting New York City police officers is well recognized,” said PBA President Pat Lynch. “It will be an honor to have him representing our members in the Assembly. We look forward to working with him towards our shared goal of a stronger, safer New York.”
“I am proud to have the endorsement of the largest police union in New York City, the PBA. These brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every day for our community,” said Tannousis. “Given today’s political climate, it is important to show them our support and appreciation for the work that they do. Rest assured that when I’m elected to the State Assembly, I will always have the backs of the men and women in blue.”
In addition to the PBA, Tannousis has also earned the endorsements of the Detective Endowment Association, Sergeant’s Benevolent Association, Lieutenant’s Benevolent Association, Captain’s Endowment Association, the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, New York State Supreme Court Officers Association, the New York State Court Clerks Association, and the National 10-13 Organizations.
But Tannousis’ Democratic opponent Brandon Patterson fired back that Tannousis has shown he’s more interested in photo ops with police officers than policies that would actually help them do their jobs.
“He [Tannousis] is the real defunder of the police, because he’s too afraid to stand up to those in Washington who continue to fail on much-needed funding for local government. Unlike Brandon, who has built his career on protecting workers and has a plan to ensure police officer’s pensions are protected, workplace safety standards are put in place, and increased mental health funding is made available, Tannousis falls short,” said a spokesperson for Patterson’s campaign.
The PBA also endorsed President Donald Trump for president and Malliotakis in her candidacy against U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island). While Brooklyn is almost entirely a one-party – Democratic – borough, there are parts of Southern Brooklyn where the American two-party system is more competitive.
The general election is Nov. 3.
