Outgoing Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan has netted endorsements for his metropolis comptroller bid from two key New York unions — turning into the primary candidate within the aggressive race to lock in main labor help.
The endorsements from the Transport Staff Union and Teamsters Native 831, which represents rank-and-file workers of town Division of Sanitation, are being rolled out after Brannan formally kicked off his marketing campaign late final month, having raised cash for it over the previous 5 months.
Union help can play a pivotal function in down-ballot native races like comptroller elections, as turnout tends to be low.
The Transport Staff Union, which represents MTA workers, has about 41,000 lively members within the metropolis and a few 26,000 retirees. Native 831 has about 7,100 lively members and 1000’s extra retirees.
“Brannan has the guts and the vision we need in a comptroller, and the TWU is proud to stand with him,” stated John Samuelsen, the Transport Staff Union’s worldwide president.
“As comptroller, I know Justin will fight every day to protect the interests of working New Yorkers and make sure our city’s finances work for the people who keep it running,” stated Harry Nespoli, president of Native 831. “Our members and I are proud to stand with Justin Brannan for comptroller.”
Brannan’s going through off in June’s Democratic comptroller main towards Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, amongst others.
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Metropolis Council Member Justin Brannan (Barry Williams for New York Day by day Information)
Levine has emerged as an early front-runner within the race, already sitting on a marketing campaign warfare chest of practically $1.7 million after securing $1.2 million in public matching funds final month. He has additionally racked up endorsements from a number of of Brannan’s colleagues, together with Council Sanitation Committee Chairman Shaun Abreu.
Brannan, who represents a piece of southern Brooklyn that features Bay Ridge, has stated he expects a $1.5 million public matching funds payout later this month after raking in about $209,000 in personal donations in the latest reporting, spanning between Oct. 8 and Jan. 11.
Like many different members of the Metropolis Council, Brannan is barred from operating for reelection within the legislative physique this yr as a result of time period limits.
Brannan, Levine and Queens Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar jumped into the comptroller’s race after incumbent Brad Lander introduced in July that he’s difficult Mayor Adams on this yr’s election. Rajkumar, although, lately dropped out of the race to as a substitute run for metropolis public advocate towards incumbent Jumaane Williams.
The primaries for mayor, comptroller, public advocate and different native elected places of work are set for June 24.
Initially Revealed: February 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM EST
