Former New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate John Liu’s run at a state Senate seat might need a bandwagon.
The New York Metropolitan Area Joint Board, the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board and the New York-New Jersey Regional Joint Board of Workers United SEIU endorsed John Liu for the New York Senate’s 11th District seat. Union representatives cited Liu’s work on behalf of New York’s working families as reason for his endorsement.
“I’m excited for our union to join John Liu in his campaign to bring Democratic leadership back to Senate District 11,” said Wilfredo Larancuent, leader of the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board workers affiliate of Workers United SEIU, in a statement. “John Liu never failed to follow through for the working families of New York when he served as city councilmember and New York City comptroller, and I fully believe that, as a state senator, John will continue to fight for issues that truly matter.”
Workers United Secretary Treasurer Edgar Romney, in a statement, cited his work with the former comptroller as reason for his endorsement.
“I’ve had the distinct honor of working with John Liu on many issues that were of vital importance to the working women and men of New York, and I can attest that he is tireless in his fight to make this state a more equitable, fair and safe place to live and work,” said Romney.
Liu said he was “honored” by the virtual thumbs up he’s received from unions, including IBEW Local 3, Teamsters Joint Council 16, the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council and Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York and Long Island.
“Throughout my years in service to the city of New York, I have had the privilege of partnering with Workers United to fight for higher wages, safer workplaces and better jobs, where workers are given the respect and dignity they deserve,” said Liu in a statement. “Together with Workers United and my other colleagues in labor, we can make positive change a reality in Senate District 11 and all over the state of New York.”
Julie Kelly, vice president of Workers United and manager of the New York-New Jersey Regional Joint Board, discussed Liu’s advocacy for economic equality as her reason for support.
“Time and time again, John has demonstrated his deep commitment to closing the wealth gap in New York,” said Kelly in a statement. “We look forward to working with John in the Senate, where we’ll fight for real reforms that will make New York’s economy work for everyone.”
Liu has also received endorsements from Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, New York Sens. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Velmanette Montgomery, Kevin Parker, Jose Peralta and Bill Perkins and Reps. Joseph Crowley, Grace Meng, Greg Meeks and Gary Ackerman.