Outgoing Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan has netted endorsements for his metropolis comptroller bid from two key New York unions — changing into the primary candidate within the aggressive race to lock in main labor help.
The endorsements from the Transport Employees Union and Teamsters Native 831, which represents rank-and-file staff 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 Employees Union, which represents MTA staff, has about 41,000 energetic members within the metropolis and a few 26,000 retirees. Native 831 has about 7,100 energetic members and hundreds extra retirees.
“Brannan has the guts and the vision we need in a comptroller, and the TWU is proud to stand with him,” mentioned John Samuelson, the Transport Employees 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,” mentioned Harry Nespoli, president of Native 831. “Our members and I are proud to stand with Justin Brannan for comptroller.”
Brannan’s dealing with off in June’s Democratic comptroller major in opposition to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, amongst others.
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Metropolis Council Member Justin Brannan (Barry Williams for New York Each day Information)
Levine has emerged as an early front-runner within the race, already sitting on a marketing campaign warfare chest of almost $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 mentioned 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 12 months attributable to 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 12 months’s election. Rajkumar, although, lately dropped out of the race to as an alternative run for metropolis public advocate in opposition to incumbent Jumaane Williams.
The primaries for mayor, comptroller, public advocate and different native elected workplaces are set for June 24.
Initially Printed: February 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM EST
