CITYWIDE
Mayoral Race
Endorsements
On Feb. 17, Eric Adams received an endorsement from Councilmember Alan Maisel (D-Brooklyn).
“I’m proud to have Councilmember Maisel’s support for mayor!” Adams said in a tweet. “We’re building a broad, diverse coalition that represents all NYers — and we’ve gained the broadest financial support from working families across the five boroughs! Together, we’ll unite this city & recover stronger.”
On the same day, Scott Stringer received an endorsement from the New York chapter of the Labors International Union of North America (LIUNA NY).
Announcements
On Feb. 16, Mayoral candidate Art Chang announced a comprehensive plan to revitalize New York’s arts and entertainment sector.
Chang’s plan would streamline the process to request and obtain permits for artistic programs in city parks, and also institute a tax benefit program to incentivize landlords to rent out their spaces for artistic purposes. The full plan is available here.
On Feb. 17, Andrew Yang announced his plan to create a “People’s Bank” in New York City. If elected, the People’s Bank would be responsible for dispensing Universal Basic Income (UBI) to New Yorkers. It would also expand access to bank accounts in underserved communities.
“I wake up and I feel privileged that I may have a positive impact on the lives of other people,” said Yang. “I wake up pumped up about what I can do to help our city get back on our feet. If that’s not motivating I don’t know what is.”
On the same day, Isaac Wright, Jr. released his official policy to reform NYCHA to give residents a path to home ownership. The policy would allow NYCHA residents to buy their own units, either via mortgage or through a “rent to buy” system.
“Some estimates put the number of residents living within NYCHA at over 600,000; that’s more than Pittsburgh, Miami, or New Orleans — an entire city’s-worth of people where nobody owns their own homes,” said Wright. “My plan provides a path to homeownership for all NYCHA residents, regardless of income. It’s time we focus on policies that will benefit our working residents, not just the wealthiest among us.”
Events
- Shaun for NYC Fundraiser: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Registration link here)
- Managing NYC’s Financial Crisis: A CBC Mayoral Forum: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m. (Registration link here)
Comptroller Race
Endorsements
On Feb. 15, David Weprin announced a slew of new endorsements, most notably from the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association. Among the other endorsers he announced were from the Tilden Democratic Club, the Village Reform Democratic Club, and former New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch.
On Feb. 16, Weprin received another endorsement, this one from Councilmember Peter Koo (D-Queens).
“David Weprin has a plan to help small businesses on Day 1 and has already done so much to assist local, independent restaurants, giving them a much-needed lifeline when we reopened partial indoor dining. David Weprin will always fight for us,” said Koo.
On the same day, Brad Lander received an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-Bronx, Westchester).
“Brad is a proven progressive — he understands the challenges facing New Yorkers and how we can uplift all people through policy,” said Bowman. “In the Council he’s fought to help workers win fair pay and dignity, partnered with communities on legislation to demand police accountability, and organized in his own district for equity and better resources for schools. It’s my honor to endorse Brad so he can hold NYC government accountable and secure a just economic recovery as the city’s next Comptroller.”
On Feb. 17, U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D) endorsed Brian Benjamin.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of [Espaillat],” Benjamin said in a tweet. “Today at Plaza de las Americas, we discussed my plan to stand up for small businesses as your next city Comptroller. I will use the powers of the office to ensure that every small business in New York is given a fair shot.”
Announcements
On Feb. 16, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) told the New York Times that he is contemplating a run for Comptroller.
The Speaker had previously been in the running for Mayor, but dropped out due to personal issues.
“I think the next comptroller needs to be someone who will ensure that our recovery is one where we are making sure that all the money we’re spending is spent appropriately,” said Johnson.
A day later, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera laid out her plan for a more equitable COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Caruso-Cabrera’s plan would, among other things:
- Convert more public and private spaces into vaccine sites;
- Increase operator capacity at 311 to make scheduling vaccinations easier;
- And increase the availability of non-English materials to educate New Yorkers about the details of the vaccine.
“The city has an obligation to take decisive action to make the vaccine process easier for ALL New Yorkers,” she said. “We cannot just accept these painful disparities as an inconvenient truth. There are concrete actions the city can and must take to close the vaccination gap.”
MANHATTAN
Manhattan District Attorney Race
Endorsements
On Feb. 16, community organizer Victor Dempsey endorsed Alvin Bragg (D) for Manhattan District Attorney. Dempsey is the brother of Delrawn Small, who was killed by NYPD Officer Wayne Isaacs in 2016.
“I am proud to endorse Alvin Bragg for Manhattan DA. As DA, Alvin will honor Delrawn’s legacy, hold police accountable, and work to strengthen our communities,” Dempsey said. “I first met Alvin Bragg when he was leading the special prosecutor’s office to investigate police involved killings of unarmed New Yorkers. During this time I got to know Alvin the person. I got to share stories with him about my brother. He shared stories with me about his family. And then I started to realize, as I watched him work, as I watched him engage with folks, how much he cared about the community and how much this work meant to him. Thanks to the work that his team did, unlike in most cases, charges were actually brought against the police officer who killed my brother and that officer was tried for taking my brother’s life.”
Events
- Dan Quart Volunteer Kickoff Event: Saturday, Feb. 20, 5-5:30 p.m. (Registration link here)
Manhattan Borough President Race
Endorsements
On Feb. 16, the West Harlem Democrats officially endorsed Ben Kallos for Manhattan Borough President.
“Thank you for supporting my bid for Manhattan Borough President, and my work to keep this borough affordable and equitable,” Kallos said in a tweet. “As BP, I’ll fight so that working people, our families–all of us–can continue to call this city our home.”
On Feb. 17, Mark Levine announced a slew of endorsements, most notably from the New York City Central Labor Council (CLC). He also received endorsements from United Auto Workers Region 9A, the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Village Reform Democratic Club, El Nuevo Caribe, and the Broadway Democrats.
“Manhattan’s future depends on working people and communities rallying together for bold change in every single neighborhood throughout this borough,” said Levine. “I am honored to have the support of labor and community leaders from the bottom to top of Manhattan, including NYC CLC, UAW, El Nuevo Caribe, Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Village Reform Democratic Club, and the Broadway Democrats. We’re building on this grassroots momentum to share our vision for Manhattan’s recovery. I’m ready to be a BP all of Manhattan’s working families can count on.”
On the same day, Brad Hoylman was endorsed by a delegation of Manhattan electeds, including State Senators Robert Jackson (D-Washington Heights, Inwood), Jose Serrano (D-Manhattan, Bronx) and Brian Kavanagh (D-Upper East Side), and Assemblymembers Richard Gottfried (D-Chelsea, Midtown), Harvey Epstein (D-Lower East Side, East Village) and Deborah Glick (D-Greenwich Village, East Village, West Village).
“I have had a chance to work with Senators Jackson, Serrano and Kavanagh and Assembly Members Gottfried, Glick and Epstein on major progressive legislation protecting tenants, promoting LGBTQ rights, holding police accountable, and protecting our environment,” said Hoylman.
Events
- Team Kallos Volunteer Kickoff: Sarurday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Registration link here)
City Council Races
Endorsements
District 3
On Feb. 18, Voters for Animal Rights (VfAR) endorsed Erik Bottcher for City Council.
“Throughout his career, Erik Bottcher has been an advocate for the most vulnerable, and this includes animals,” said VfAR President Allie Feldman Taylor. “As an environmentalist, a naturalist, and a bird watcher, Erik is a fighter for animal rights and against animal cruelty. Animals need allies and champions in government, and Erik is one of those champions. We are proud to endorse him for City Council.”
District 5
Today, the Lexington Democratic Club officially endorsed Julie Menin. The announcement came a week after Menin secured endorsements from 55 community leaders throughout District 5.
“The Lexington Democratic Club is excited to endorse Julie Menin’s campaign for City Council in New York City Council District 5,” said Lexington Club President Matt Walsh. “New York needs tough leaders to pull us out of the public health and financial crisis created by COVID-19. Julie is the only candidate in this race with the experience we need to hit the ground running on day one to start delivering sorely needed wins to the working families in our district.”
Meanwhile, the Jewish Vote, a sister organization to Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ), endorsed Rebecca Lamorte.
“I’m honored to have the support of The Jewish Vote in our fight for housing, disability and economic justice,” said Lamorte. “The Jewish Vote and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) are key voices for racial, economic and religious justice. They have a detailed vision for a progressive New York City I’m proud to share and know that together we can make a reality for our community and the entire City of New York.”
District 6
On Feb. 17, Jeffrey Omura received an endorsement from Tony Award-winning producer Jenny Ainsworth.
“Having had the privilege to work with Jeffrey I’ve seen firsthand his dedication to the arts and his incredible work ethic,” said Ainsworth. “As a resident of District 6 I’m incredibly excited to have someone with Jeffrey’s vision and experience in advocacy working to revitalize our neighborhood and the arts.”
District 7
On Feb. 15, the Broadway Democrats endorsed Dan Cohen for City Council.
“I’m so proud to have the endorsement of local activists in Democratic clubs across the district and look forward to partnering with them to build a future that works better for us all,” said Cohen.
District 9
On Feb. 17, Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang endorsed William Allen for City Council.
“It’s an honor to get the endorsement of @AndrewYang but also the cross endorsement is important & necessary,” Allen said in a tweet. “We will work tirelessly to bring resources to the city & to Harlem. #UBI is an important policy initiative that could bring thousands of Harlem residents out of poverty.”
Announcements
Today, District 5 candidate Tricia Shimamura released her comprehensive climate justice plan. Her plan entails, among other things, utilizing alternative forms of energy, switching to electrical power for the MTA, repairing the Esplanade, and building community gardens and green streets.
“We cannot afford to ignore the climate crisis any longer. My district is one extreme weather event away from disaster, and our first line of defense, the East River Esplanade, is crumbling,” said Shimamura. “As a Council Member, I will be committed to addressing the climate crisis and building a more sustainable New York across all boroughs, starting by overhauling development requirements to limit carbon emissions and investing in new sources of renewable energy, like hydro and wind power.”
Read the complete plan here.
Events
- Women of Color for Progress: Instagram Live with Kristin Richardson: Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. @woc4progress
- Organize Your Friends with Tricia Shimamura: Saturday, Feb. 20, 4 p.m. (RSVP link here)
- Rebecca Lamorte “Quarantini and Chill”: Saturday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. (To RSVP, email info@rebeccalamorte.com)
- Marti Allen-Cummings Climate Justice Phone Bank: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6-8 p.m. (Registration link here)
- Kim Moscaritolo Petitioning Kickoff: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. (Registration link here)
MANHATTAN AND CITYWIDE
Endorsements
On Feb. 16, the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, announced their second round of endorsements.
Among their endorsees were incumbent Councilmembers Carlina Rivera, Keith Powers and Diana Ayala; District 6 candidate Gale Brewer; District 7 candidate Shaun Abreu; Manhattan Borough President Candidate Mark Levine; and incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
On Feb. 18, the Lexington Democratic Club released their own slate of endorsements.
“With the city facing public health and fiscal crises, we need leaders who know how to govern, who will come up with innovative solutions, and who will fight for hardworking New Yorkers. The Lexington Democratic Club is proud to endorse these candidates,” said Lexington Democratic Club President Matt Walsh.
The club endorsed Scott Stringer for Mayor; Jumaane Williams for Public Advocate; David Weprin for Comptroller; Dan Quart for Manhattan District Attorney; Ben Kallos for Manhattan Borough President; Keith Powers for Council District 4; Julie Menin for Council District 5; and Barbara Jaffe for Council District 9.
