Editor’s Note: Every Friday, KCP will be posting election news briefs concerning the June 22 Citywide Primaries. This includes the mayor, comptroller, borough president and city council races.
CM Ampry-Samuel Endorses Adams for Mayor
Outside of the Fenimore-Lefferts NYCHA development in Brooklyn, on January 16, City Councilwoman Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, East New York) endorsed Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams for mayor.
“Eric Adams is ready to be Mayor,“ said Ampry-Samuel. “As our City and State are struggling, we need a mayor who knows our city well, understands the power and breadth of the office, and most importantly knows the people. Eric Adams is just as comfortable on Park Avenue as he is in Lefferts-Fenimore and NYCHA campuses across the city. There is only one person in this mayoral race who will make sure that our 400,000 NYCHA residents are heard, and that’s the one who has been listening, working and present.”
Adams and Ampry-Samuel also called for dozens more community vaccination centers at NYCHA complexes and in neighborhoods hard-hit by COVID-19 following the state’s announcement that it would only open one community vaccination center in each borough.
“When we say we have to turn the city around, we must also say that our turnaround begins with NYCHA and the lower-income communities who are struggling the most,” said Adams.
Adams has been endorsed by a diverse group of local elected officials and leaders already, including Bronx Deputy Borough President and longtime Assemblymember Aurelia Greene and Assemblymember Erik Dilan, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymember Jaime WIlliams and Councilmembers Laurie Cumbo, Daneek Miller, Ydanis Rodriguez and Darma Diaz.
Yang Tour Cut Short Over COVID Scare, Polling Numbers Look Good
Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang this week had his tour of New York City cut short after a a member of the campaign staff received a positive result on a rapid COVID test.
At the time, Yang was all set to walk the streets of Bushwick with former City Councilmember Rafael Espinal.
“Since that time, Andrew has tested negative and is not experiencing any symptoms. The most recent event the campaign staffer attended was an outdoor event on Sunday. In keeping with New York State guidelines, Andrew will conduct all campaign activities remotely for the next eight days. He will not resume in-person events until he receives a negative PCR test after that period,” said Yang’s spokesperson.
According to Yang’s staff they then began the contact tracing process to notify anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual who tested positive.
“Our safety protocols require staffers who participate in in-person campaign activities get tested on a weekly basis. As always, we urge everyone to stay safe, wear a mask, and stay up to date with all the latest public health and COVID-related news at CDC.gov,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, according to a Yang internal poll obtained by KCP, Yang is in a good position to win, particularly with the new Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) instituted this primary. The poll shows Yang’s favorability rating just above Borough President Eric Adams and then Comptroller Scott Stringer, but with RCV, said a source, he may “dominate the field.”
Wiley Volunteer Kickoff Draws 140 New Yorkers
On Monday, January 18, which was also Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Maya Wiley’s campaign for Mayor hosted a virtual campaign volunteer rally where 140 New Yorkers from all five boroughs came together to learn about how they can get involved in Wiley’s growing campaign.
“This campaign is going to be powered by New Yorkers because that’s who I am fighting for,” said Wiley. “I am so grateful for everyone who took time on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to come together and discuss how we can emerge from this crisis a stronger, fairer, and more just city. Volunteers are going to be the heartbeat of our campaign for mayor and I am absolutely blown away by the enthusiastic response we got from across New York City.”
Wiley has been endorsed by State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake, and Councilmembers Helen Rosenthal and Steve Levin. She has also received the endorsement of Democracy For America.
BP Candidate Simon Snags Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, IND Endorsements
Assemblymember and Brooklyn Borough President candidate Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn) was endorsed by both The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club (JOLDC) and the Independent Neighborhood Democrats (IND) this week.
She has also been endorsed by Senator Velmanette Montgomery, the 504 Democratic Club, representing people with disabilities, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, and Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.
“I am honored to announce that the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club has endorsed my candidacy to become Brooklyn’s first female Borough President,” said Simon. “The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, named after renowned gay rights pioneer Jim Owles, is one of New York’s most impactful progressive groups and has led the fight to further LGBTQ+ rights and progressive causes throughout the city. It is a privilege to have their support.”
Simon said that her entire career has been about lifting the voices and fighting for the rights of the historically marginalized in the city.
“From fighting for GENDA to banning conversion therapy, to protecting vulnerable tenants from eviction, and pushing for criminal justice reforms, Jo Anne has been an unrelenting champion for our community,” said President of JOLDC Allen Roskoff.
The JOLDC has reportedly endorsed Candidate Anthony Beckford for City Council in the 45th District.
The IND also released their endorsements for City Comptroller Scott Stringer for Mayor, Councilmember Brad Lander for Comptroller, and Jumaane Williams for reelection as Public Advocate.
Cornegy Leads in BP Campaign Fundraising Race
City Councilmember and Brooklyn Borough President candidate Robert Cornegy Jr. (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) continues to lead in fundraising for the BP race, according to last Friday’s latest deadline for campaign disclosure reports to the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB).
The disclosure reports detail the private fundraising each candidate did from last July to January. These numbers will determine their eligibility for the third round of CFB’s campaign matching funds program, which will take place on Feb. 15. At this time, CFB will disburse a $8-to-$1 taxpayer match for contributions that meet certain criteria.
From July 2020 to Jan. 2021, Cornegy accumulated $249,640 in private funds – more than that received between July 12, 2020 and January 11, 2021 by Jo Anne Simon ($242,850 including a $125,000 loan from herself to the campaign), Antonio Reynoso ($166,396) and Khari Edwards ($144,942) – among all borough president candidates receiving more than $100,000 in contributions.
To date, no borough president candidate has received matching funds.
Comptroller Candidate Lander and Council Candidate Hudson do Cross Endorsements
City Councilmember and Comptroller candidate Brad Lander (D-Park Slope) and City Council District 35 candidate Crystal Hudson (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Crown Heights) joined forces in their respective races and decided to endorse each other’s campaigns, on January 20.
The two candidates have also been flush in campaign fundraising. Lander has raised the most in the comptroller race bringing in a heft $816,593 and has already received another $2,344,442 in public matching funds.
Hudson has raised $98,718 – the most of any city council candidate in Brooklyn, and has already received $160,444 in matching funds.
“Crystal Hudson is a true Brooklyn story; a third-generation Brooklynite and a fierce advocate for her neighbors who has built a career in public service by delivering the progressive results her community needs,” said Lander.
“Our city is facing a moment of great crisis, and it’s clear we need skilled, experienced leaders fighting for an equitable recovery from this pandemic by investing in truly affordable housing, fighting for racial justice, protecting workers, and making our city government function for the struggling many, not the wealthy few,” said Hudson about Lander.
Hudson was also recently endorsed by State Sen. Jessica Ramos, New Kings Democrats, 21 in ‘21, and Road to Justice NYC.
Lander has endorsements from the Working Families Party, U.S Rep Jerry Nadler, labor unions CWA District 1 and UAW Region 9A, and the Freelancers Union.
Both Hudson and Lander have been endorsed by Make the Road Action and Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.
District 36’s Chi Ossé Youngest Candidate
At 22, District 36 candidate Chi Ossé (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights) is now the youngest person running for city council to meet the maximum matching funds threshold.
His campaign raised $53,116 and has put in for $32,084 of those contributions as eligible for matching funds next month.
“I am humbled by this incredible support for the campaign,” said Ossé. “I am determined to use these resources to reach folks across the district with our message and vision while being an active asset to the district’s current needs. Both long-time and first-time voters of Bed Stuy and Crown Heights should know that I will work every day to earn their vote both before and after the election.”
AM Perry Endorses Narcisse for Canarsie City Council Race
Assemblymember Nick Perry (D-East Flatbush) and Democratic State Committeeman and District Leader Cory Provost joined together to endorse Mercedes Narcisse for city council in the 46th Council District (Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Sheepshead Bay) on Jan. 20.
Narcisse is a nurse and long-time resident of Canarsie.
“Mercedes is a hard-working and bold leader who will stand up and fight for all the families of the 46th District in City Hall. As a registered nurse, and a bonafide first responder, Mercedes is trained and ready to help nurse New York City, and our neighborhoods back to health,” said Perry.
“As a mother, registered nurse, small business owner, neighbor and community leader Mercedes has been a proven and prudent leader. Especially important in these times, Mercedes knows how to bring people together and bridge divisions,” said Provost. “Mercedes has a vision of progress, but also understands the nuances needed to make things happen. Most importantly, Mercedes has a record of service that illuminates her dedication to improving the lives of every resident not only in the 46th District, but across New York City.”
City Council Candidate Adler Shakes Up Stereotypes
Community activist and City Council District 48 candidate Amber Adler (Brighton Beach, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park, Midwood, Plum Beach, Sheepshead Bay), who is a single Orthodox Jewish mother of two young boys, has garnered unprecedented support from Southern Brooklyn’s Jewish community.
The position of community leaders are traditionally male, married, and/or religious in the 48th district, while Adler is clearly outside of some of those stereotypes. Nonetheless, her campaign filings boast a bevy of support from rabbis, community leaders and pillars of the Orthodox Jewish community, suggesting the community’s readiness to break a little with tradition.
She has also charmed the Pakistani community in her district, which she has worked closely with for years.
“It is amazing to have strong support from all the diverse communities in my district. And, I am humbled to have overwhelming support from my orthodox community. Many times our community is judged incorrectly through prejudiced eyes and incorrectly perceived as many things; including being seen as a community that doesn’t support Orthodox Jewish women. But – this filing is further proof that it does,” said Adler.
