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.
Mayoral Candidate Maya Wiley Campaign Launched for Black Women
On January 25, Wiley launched a campaign called the Black Women For Maya (BW4M) coalition. Over 250 women from across New York City and across the country joined the virtual event. After introductory remarks by Tichina Arnold and Yvette Nicole Brown, Maya Wiley participated in a Q&A with Melissa Harris-Perry, laying out her plans for the future of the city. This included her New Deal New York plan for economic revival, her Gun Violence Prevention Plan, and her Plan to End Evictions for housing.
“The Black Women for Maya launch event shows the tremendous enthusiasm and support that Maya has built for her historic candidacy, and that New Yorkers are ready for Black women to lead,” said Maya Rupert, Wiley’s campaign manager. “It was inspiring to see the passion that Black women across New York City brought to this conversation as they pledged to have Maya’s back throughout this campaign and beyond.”
NYS Public Employees Federation, Latino leaders, and Over 200 NYC Clergy Endorses Adams for Mayor
The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), a labor union representing more than 50,000 New Yorkers, endorsed Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams for Mayor this week.
“Eric Adams has been a public servant working hard on behalf of New Yorkers for decades. No one has a stronger record of standing up for working people or a clearer plan for their success than Eric,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “When the first coronavirus surge hit the city last spring, Eric was by my side helping distribute PPE and food to PEF members in need. When others fled the city, Eric led, embodying the ideal of a true public servant. PEF could not be more excited to endorse Eric to be our next mayor. We are with Eric now because he has always been there for us.”
Adams said that public employees dedicate their lives to supporting the rest of the city, and so they deserve support as essential workers. “It is not enough to thank them–we must also provide them with the hazard pay and other benefits they need and deserve to keep New York running strong at this critical moment. As mayor, I will always invest in New Yorkers and stand up for working people by putting the full force of City Hall behind them,” said Adams.
Adams also gained endorsements from 50 prominent Latino leaders and nearly 200 clergy leaders. Among the interfaith group of supporters will be Rev. Herbert Daughtry, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Imam Yassine Taoufik, Rev. Julio Escotto Baez, Rabbi Baruch Pesach Mendelson, Rev. Karim Camara, Bishop Eric Garnes and Rev. Dennis Dillon.
City Council Candidate Butler Endorsed by Labor Unions
On January 28, District 36 City Council Candidate Henry L. Butler was endorsed by the #LaborStrong2021 Coalition, which includes endorsements from DC37, 32BJ SEIU, NYS Nurses Association, Communications Workers of America, and the Hotel Trades Council.
“Our campaign has demonstrated tremendous momentum as we head into petitioning next month. We have raised the maximum allowed under the matching funds program, we have earned the greatest number of endorsements, and we have the highest number of supporters from the district,” said Butler.
“As someone who comes from a union family and has spent nearly 25 years as a member of labor unions, these endorsements are personal for me. These unions represent frontline workers who have risked their lives to keep our communities functioning through COVID. I thank them for all they are doing for our great city,” he added.
District 35 Candidate Crystal Hudson Endorsed by UFT and NYCCLC
Candidate for City Council in District 35 Crystal Hudson was endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the NYC Central Labor Council (NYCCLC). They are incredibly progressive and influential teachers and labor unions.
“More than ever, we need leadership on the Council who will stand up for working people, fight for safe workplaces with livable wages, and secure long-overdue investment in our communities. I’m proud to have the backing of UFT and NYCCLC and I’m ready to get to work fighting for a stronger, more equitable New York,” said Hudson.
“Crystal Hudson is the definition of a public servant. Her dedication will prove an asset as she advocates for investing in education to overcome the impact of the pandemic,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.
“Crystal Hudson has what it takes to win, and to help working families in Brooklyn take on the enormous challenges ahead. The CLC is proud to endorse Crystal in District 35,” said NYCCLC President Vincent Alvarez.
Lisa Lewis Announces Bid For Judge
Lisa Lewis kicked off her campaign for Kings County Civil Court Judge in the 2nd Municipal District, and will be holding a virtual kickoff this Thursday, February 4th at 7pm.
“It is an honor and a privilege to announce my candidacy for Kings County Civil Court Judge in the 2nd Municipal District,” said Lewis. “I ask you to please join me on this journey for justice.”
Independent Neighborhood Democrats Roll Out City Council Endorsements
IND Brooklyn announced their City Council endorsements yesterday, January 28. They had decided to back Lincoln Restler for District 33 and Briget Rein for District 39.
Reynoso Endorsed by Working Families Party
The progressive Working Families Party has announced that they are backing Councilmember Antonio Reynoso (D-Williamsburg, Bushwick, Ridgewood) for Brooklyn Borough President this week.
“The WFP has been the driving force behind some of our biggest progressive victories, and I’m so proud to have them as a partner in this fight,” said Reynoso.
