U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ, FOUR MORE LABOR UNIONS ENDORSE STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA FOR RE-ELECTION

 

The endorsements mark the latest to join a strong coalition of support for Gustavo from New York’s most powerful people-powered politicians and labor unions.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed State Senator Gustavo Rivera for re-election. The Congresswoman’s endorsement marks the full consolidation of New York’s progressive weight around Sen. Rivera’s progressive, labor-backed campaign, which has already been endorsed by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, the Working Families Party, 1199SEIU, the United Federation of Teachers, and other labor and progressive groups across the state.

“State Sen. Gustavo Rivera has been a pivotal voice in Albany for the working-class across the Bronx and the state,” said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “From sponsoring the New York Health Act, which would establish universal healthcare in New York, to fearlessly fighting to keep our schools fully funded, Sen. Rivera has been a consistent force for good in our government. At a time when corporations and dark money interests are spending more money than ever to unseat working-class progressives like him, we need to show them that our votes can’t be bought—and we need to rally for him the way he’s rallied for us.”

“I can’t tell you how proud I am to receive the endorsement of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,” said Sen. Rivera. “She is one of the country’s progressive standard-bearers, a longtime champion of the working-class, and a powerhouse who has delivered millions of dollars to the Bronx in service of working families. Congress is a better place with her in it—and I am honored to have her by my side as we fight for an Albany that works for all of us.”

Sen. Rivera’s campaign also announced the endorsement of the Committee of Interns and Residents, SEIU (CIR), and UFCW Local 1500, Teamsters Joint Local 16, and Public Employees Federation, further consolidating his support among the labor movement. 

Quotes from Sen. Rivera’s latest union endorsers below: 

“CIR members are incredibly proud to endorse Gustavo Rivera for the 33rd Senate District of New York. Sen. Rivera has been an ongoing champion for frontline workers and has always stood with CIR members. As doctors, everyday we see how our current health care system fails far too many of our patients. There has been no greater fighter to improve access to care and address health care disparities than Gustavo Rivera. His deep commitment to the people of the Bronx and to fighting to pass the NY Health Act, prove that he is the best choice for district 33. We are incredibly excited to continue building on the work of improving the well-being of our communities with Sen. Rivera.” said Dr Michael Zingman, National Secretary Treasurer Committee of Interns and Residents SEIU.

“PEF is proud to support State Sen. Gustavo Rivera for re-election,” said Wayne Spence, President, NYS Public Employees Federation. “In Albany, Sen. Rivera has been a true champion for labor, fighting to make sure our demands are met with action. We can’t afford to lose his leadership in the State Senate, and look forward to his re-election.” 

“We are proud to stand with Sen. Gustavo Rivera in his re-election campaign,” said Rob Newell, UFCW Local 1500 President. “Sen. Rivera has championed issues for essential workers before the pandemic and continues to do so now—from preventing wage theft to ensuring our members have the healthcare and workplace protections they need,he is with us. Our members have benefitted from the leadership of Sen. Rivera for many years and look forward to more.”

“For years, Sen. Gustavo Rivera has been a trusted partner for the Teamsters,” said Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16. “Our members in the Bronx need his voice in the State Senate now more than ever. We're proud to support his re-election and stand alongside him in the fight for fair wages, good healthcare, and safe working conditions for every New Yorker.”
 

About Gustavo Rivera: For over 12 years, Senator Gustavo Rivera has fought for labor rights, housing justice, healthcare, and delivering for the working people of the Bronx. He has been endorsed by 1199SEIU, RWDSU, CSA, PSC, UFT, NYSUT, CWA, the Working Families Party, and progressive organizations across the state.