Governor—Andrew Cuomo
Lt. Governor—Jumaane Williams
Attorney General—Letitia James
This week we move to the State Legislature and the court. The State Senate right now might be the most important of the races that are being held, because they hold the key to the future of the state. In particular, the seats held by members of the Independent Democratic Conference, who have been aligning themselves with the Republicans and have made it possible to for Republicans to control what has happened in the Senate on the budget, to determine committee appointments and to decide what legislation comes to the floor of the Senate for a vote. If the IDC is defeated, then true Democrats can be in Albany and progressive goals can and will be achieved. Here are our endorsements.
New York State Senate
13th Senatorial District
Jessica Ramos
The 13th Senatorial District comprises Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, parts of the Woodside and Astoria sections of Queens. It is a diverse area, with diverse needs. Currently it is represented by IDC member Jose Peralta. He has voted against the interests of the community and of the city and has given the Republicans the votes they have needed to control the Senate. He must be voted out. Challenging him is Jessica Ramos. As a child of New York, she is no stranger to hard work, struggle and perseverance. Born to immigrant parents, she understands the need to protect the rights of low-wage workers, immigrants, students and minorities. As a community activist, public servant and union representative, she is the change that Queens needs. She is what the 13th District needs. That is why we endorse Jessica Ramos with great enthusiasm for the 13th Senatorial District.
20th Senatorial District
Zellnor Y. Myrie
We have seen a lot of changes in Brooklyn over the past 20 years, over the past five, even in the past two. Rents have skyrocketed. Families have been pushed out. Gentrification is in overdrive in some of the communities of the 20th Senatorial District, which comprises Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope and Sunset Park. Luckily, for this district, a young man, Zellnor Y. Myrie, has decided that it is time to run for office. Raised in the community, he went to Brooklyn Tech and Fordham University and later Cornell Law School. As a lawyer, he used his pro-bono time to fight police brutality, help special education students get the services owed them by the Department of Education, help victims of domestic violence and assist asylum seekers. Before law school, he worked as a legislative director in the New York City Council. Among his top priorities are affordable housing, immigration, education and women’s health. He will be a strong advocate for the people of Brooklyn, and once again a true Democrat. He is up against IDC member Jesse Hamilton, who has been no friend to our communities. Hamilton’s allegiance to the IDC has been detrimental to our communities and he needs to go. So when you go to the polls Thursday, Sept. 13, vote for Zellnor Myrie, we endorse him because we know he is the future of Brooklyn.
31st Senatorial District
Robert Jackson
Robert Jackson is tried and true. He has represented New York in so many ways for so long. He has spent his life as an educator, legislator, activist and progressive leader. Jackson has been at the forefront of progressive causes and has led the fight for decades. He was a leader in the City Council. He stood up for tenant’s rights, student rights, affordable housing and small businesses. Now he wants to go to Albany and Albany needs him. The district needs him. District 31 is one of the most diverse districts in Manhattan and comprises Chelsea, Clinton, the Garment District, Hamilton Heights, Harlem, Inwood, Midtown Manhattan, Morningside Heights, the Upper West Side and Washington Heights. Currently, it is represented by Marisol Alcantara, a member of the IDC. Although she talks a great game of why she joined the IDC, we just don’t buy it. And we know that Robert Jackson is a proven entity. He has served the community as a City Council member and did an excellent job, and we believe it is time to send him to Albany so that he can continue to work on behalf of all of us. That is why we endorse Robert Jackson for the 31st Senatorial District.
34th Senatorial District
Allesandra Biaggi
The name Allesandra Biaggi is probably one you have not heard until recently. She primarily worked behind the scenes. Whether it was in the office of the General Counsel of the New York Department of State working on storm recovery or as a director in the Clinton campaign, she has been making things happen. A fourth-generation resident in her district, she knows where she comes from and embraces all that her district has to offer. She is up against the ringleader of the IDC, Jeff Klein. Unlike Klein, Biaggi is about the community and real progressive values and reform: fully funding education, fully funding the safe act, passing universal health care, ending cash bail, passing property tax relief for low and middle-income families. And these changes are just a beginning. Biaggi wants to make a difference, and if elected we believe she will. That is why we endorse Allesandra Biaggi wholeheartedly for Senate in the 34th Senatorial District.
60th Assembly District
Charles Barron
When Charles Barron initially ran for Brooklyn’s 60th Assembly District, we said that that Barron, who was known to be a firebrand, does not want to go to Albany to entertain. And that he wants to go to Albany to make a difference. And that is exactly what he has done. Barron has been on the forefront of social justice issues, education and health, and he has represented his community in Albany with the same zeal that he did in the City Council. No matter the office, he continues to make real change. He continues to be a voice for the unheard and makes sure the community is part of the conversation and part of the solution. Therefore, we endorse Charles Barron in the Democratic primary for the 60th Assembly District.
71st Assembly District
Alfred E. Taylor is a consummate professional. And he has served his community since he left the armed forces decades ago, first as a member of the late Assemblyman Denny Ferrell’s staff and now as the current assemblyman. He brings to the district experience, knowledge, trust, hard work and great ideas. He has been a fighter against guns and violence, and he has been an unwavering foe of hate and bigotry. He is a man who cares for his community and makes a difference in it every day. It is for this reason and many more that we endorse Alfred E. Taylor in the Democratic primary.
Judge of the Civil Court Kings County
Ingrid Josef is receiving the endorsement of the Amsterdam News because of her sharp wit, genuine concern for her community and thoughtful temperament. It is so important that our communities have judges who believe in a holistic approach to problem-solving and community relations. Josef is this judge. Elected for a 12-year term, it is imperative we elect judges who want to build relationships and bridges to the communities they serve. It is for this reason we endorse Ingrid Josef for critical position.