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.
UFT Endorses Pierre for City Council
On February 15, City Council Candidate Josué Pierre was endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) labor union.
“As someone who attended underfunded public schools and only made it to college because some of my teachers took the extra time to invest in my success; I am very proud to have the UFT’s endorsement,” said Pierre. “We must empower our teachers to ensure that our children have a shot at success regardless of zip code, and I will be a tireless advocate for public education in the New York City Council.”
The UFT joins Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), New York Communities for Change (NYCC), Victory Fund, and other groups in supporting Pierre.
Lander, District Leaders Endorse Reynoso for Brooklyn Borough President
Democratic District Leaders Emile Bazile and Julio Peña announced their endorsement for Councilmember Antonio Reynoso (D-Williamsburg, Bushwick, Ridgewood) in his bid for BP, making him the candidate with the most support of borough-wide District Leaders thus far in the race.
Reynoso was also endorsed by Councilmember Brad Lander (D-Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Waterfront, Gowanus, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park, Kensington) while simultaneously backing Lander in his race for City Comptroller.
“It is an honor to have the support of District Leaders Emile Bazile and Julio Peña,” said Reynoso. “As progressive District Leaders, Emile and Julio are picking up the mantle of the reform movement that I am proud to have started with my run for the City Council in 2013. I look forward to continuing to work with District Leaders Bazile and Peña toward our shared goal of a Brooklyn Democratic Party that is truly inclusive and accountable.”
Bazile said that Reynoso has taken action to secure affordable housing, save childcare centers, and fight for environmental justice. “Brooklyn needs a Borough President who understands both the issues that residents face and how to solve them; Antonio is that person,” said Bazile.
“I am confident that Antonio will bring his reform values and dedication to solving the problems of everyday Brooklynites to Borough Hall. He is the Borough President we need to ensure an equitable recovery for our borough,” said Peña.
Reynoso also spoke about his ongoing partnership with Lander.
“Over the last 8 years, Brad and I have been partners in action in the City Council — fighting to advance critical, progressive policies on criminal justice, housing justice and much more to improve the lives of New York’s working families,” said Reynoso. “I know that, as Comptroller, he will bring both his values and his experience to the work of building a more fair economy, preparing our city for the future, and holding city government accountable to its promises to working people.”
District 36’s Butler and Moore Make Big Money and Endorsements
According to Campaign Finance Board, City Council District 36 has two top candidates in this latest round. Male District Leader for the 56th Assembly Henry Butler is leading in public payments to his campaign with Community Leader Tahirah Moore right behind him.
“The Campaign Finance Board that our campaign just informed us we will receive the maximum in matching funds permitted and are MAXED OUT,” said Butler. “We are the only candidate in this race to achieve this milestone. We could not have done it without all of your amazing support.”
Butler was endorsed by the New York City Central Labor Council, a coalition of labor unions, this week.
Moore said that she was proud to be holding her own in a race with many other male candidates.
She also announced this week endorsements from the Muslim community. Imam Siraj Wahhaj of Al-Taqwa Mosque in Brooklyn said that he trusts Moore’s “experiences and experiences.”
“I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of Imam Siraj. He is a true leader and humble servant of the people!” said Moore.
As a late-breaking news item, Chi Ossé, who is also running for the District 36 seat, today received $160,444 in matching funds.
Darkhorse BP Candidate Edwards Continues to Gain Traction
The Campaign Finance Board announced Brooklyn Borough President candidate public matching funds this week. Just behind Councilmember Robert Cornegy (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant) is Candidate Khari Edwards, whose campaign received $491,182 in public matching funds.
Edwards, a former hospital executive, never held public office but it well respected and liked throughout the borough.
The amount Edwards received was greater than the amount received by Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon ($481,224) and Councilmember Antonio Reynoso ($462,880). Edwards was the only non-elected official in the race to qualify for matching funds.
“I am proud of the unprecedented level of grassroots support our campaign has built across Brooklyn and I know that our momentum, which easily rivals that of the politicians in this race, will only continue to grow stronger,” said Edwards.
His recent endorsements include Assemblymember Nick Perry and Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel.
Brittany Ramos DeBarros launches bid for NY-11
Congressional Candidate Brittany Ramos DeBarros on Thursday announced her run for New York’s 11th district. She plans on going up against newly minted U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island).
DeBarros seems to be positioning herself as the diversity Democrat from Staten Island who can pull people together as a community organizer and combat veteran.
“The South Shore is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy because Washington abandoned us. Manhattan developers are allowed to swoop in like vultures as we lose our homes and Nicole Malliotakis lines her pockets. Our district has the highest COVID case rates in the City and almost 2,000 of our neighbors have already died because of it. Instead of fighting for care and relief, Malliotakis incites violent coups and treats our lives and democracy like they’re worthless. We’re tired of leaders who hand us crumbs and tell us to be grateful,” said De Barros.
Wilfredo Florentino is Brooklyn’s Top Candidate in District 42
Citizen Action of New York announced its endorsement of Candidate Wilfredo Florentino for City Council District 42 in East New York.
Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots organization with eight regional chapters and over 30,000 members across New York State. The organization is dedicated to fair elections, equitable school funding, housing for all, environmental justice, and ending mass incarceration.
“I was born and raised in East New York Brooklyn,” said Stanley Fritz, Political Director of Citizen Action of New York. “It is a community that means a lot to me, and deserves the kind of leader who will be committed to its growth and development. Wilfredo’s candidacy represents the next generation of leadership for East New York, and we are proud to back it!”
District 33’s Elizabeth Adams Supports the ALE
Candidate for City Council in District 33 Elizabeth Adams, an Association of Legislative Employees (ALE) member, was outspoken about the recognition of the Council Union and minimum salaries for her potential staff.
ALE is the union representing NYC Council Staff, and has won the support of the majority of Council Members needed to authorize voluntary recognition from Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan). She said she has built it into her platform in her run for city council.
“As the daughter of a union household and a proud ALE member, I am overjoyed at today’s announcement. We have been waiting for over a year for recognition, and I look forward to seeing the Speaker call a speedy vote,” said Adams.
Adams is looking to succeed term-limited City Councilman Stephen Levin (D-Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Fulton Ferry, Greenpoint, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg).
Adams Pushes City Healthcare Priorities as D.C. Debates New Funding
Brooklyn Borough President and mayoral candidate Eric Adams pushed his city’s healthcare priorities this week as electeds debated a new stimulus package.
Adams’ plan includes an aggressive plan to combat COVID in disproportionately impacted communities of color, improving healthcare for lower-income and working-class families, covering everyone who needs it under the city’s healthcare networks, and protecting city workers.
“It is encouraging that Washington is gearing up to provide much-needed relief for New York–but we must prioritize funds to combat COVID in communities of color while ensuring every New Yorker who needs healthcare has it and City workers are protected from cuts or changes to care,” said Adams. “We also have to shore up our local safety net hospitals and keep costs down for New Yorkers who already have healthcare plans through proactive measures and reforms. Both the City and its workers should be paying less, not more, for healthcare. At the same time, we will also be able to reinvest savings in nurses and hospital staff.”
The $1.9 trillion federal package being debated in Washington includes new subsidies for Affordable Care Act health coverage and money for local governments to pay their contributions to coverage and care for millions of New Yorkers, including assistance in COVID prevention and care.
NY State Nurses Association Endorses Crystal Hudson for City Council
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) has endorsed Candidate Crystal Hudson for City Council in the 35th district. NYSNA is the state’s largest union for registered nurses.
“Nurses have been on the frontlines of the fight against this pandemic, and it’s time for our leadership to step up and win stronger protections for our healthcare workers, safe staffing, funding for our hospitals, and healthcare for all,” said Hudson. “As the daughter of a nurse, I know first-hand how dedicated and hardworking our frontline healthcare workers are. I’m so proud to have the support of NYSNA and its members, and I’m ready to keep fighting alongside them for a more equitable healthcare system and a stronger future for all New Yorkers.”
NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez said that Hudson understands life before the pandemic wasn’t enough for many New Yorkers. “We must build further from the pandemic. As the child of a nurse and a primary caretaker, we know Crystal will fight courageously to uplift patients, nurses, and healthcare workers in Brooklyn,” said Sheridan-Gonzalez.
Lander Gets Endorsed By Bowman for Comptroller
Councilmember Brad Lander announced this week that he was endorsed by the U.S. Rep Jamaal Bowman (NY-16).
“When I first met Jamaal Bowman, it was immediately clear to me that he was a leader who could bring transformative change to our politics,” said Lander.
“When we hit the streets together last spring, talking to voters in Riverdale, barnstorming on a bus across the Bronx, and marching with many of you for Black lives, I saw firsthand how he puts his infectious energy and heart into his work for justice. I feel energized whenever I hear Jamaal — so I’m especially thrilled to share his support for our campaign for NYC Comptroller!” he added.
