New York City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn) today announced that his campaign to become the city's next Public Advocate has received endorsements from a dozen local Council Members, Assembly Members and State Senators. The announcement comes after the current Public Advocate, Letitia James, won her election on Tuesday to become New York State's Attorney General-elect.
"We witnessed history this week with the election of our state's first black woman Attorney General, and I am honored to be endorsed as her successor by so many of my colleagues in government," said Jumaane. "Since announcing my intention to run for Public Advocate several weeks ago, I've had many conversations with activists, elected officials, community leaders and organizations, and have received an incredible outpour of support. As we continue to build out our campaign's infrastructure and gear up for a special election, I look forward to meeting with New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs to share my vision of becoming a Public Advocate for the people."
The elected officials who today announced their endorsements of Williams' campaign include:
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
State Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane has been a fearless leader in government who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of New York. I've seen that first hand, working beside him to take on many issues within our shared community, like fighting for affordable housing, better schools and safer streets. I'm excited by the prospect of working with him as our city's next Public Advocate."
State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) said, "New Yorkers need a Public Advocate who will fight for more affordable housing, safer streets, improved public safety and better schools. I've served with Jumaane in the Council and have seen him tackle these hard issues head on. His background has well positioned him to be an extremely effective Public Advocate, so I am proud to support him in this race."
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane has proven to be a bold and progressive leader who fights for justice, inclusion, equity and more for the people of Brooklyn and beyond. It has been a privilege to work with him to advance a truly progressive agenda in the city and state, and I am proud to endorse him as our next Public Advocate-- the People's Advocate."
Assembly Member Walter Mosley (D-Brooklyn) said, "New York City needs a Public Advocate who will stand up for all of us, that's why I'm supporting my friend and colleague, Jumaane Williams. Jumaane has been a fierce activist for tenants and has been on the front lines pf criminal justice reform. He's never wavered from a fight, no matter how big. Over the years, I have worked hand in hand with Jumaane on issues affecting residents in Brooklyn, and I know that he is the right person to continue this work as our city's next Public Advocate."
Assembly Member Diana Richardson (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane Williams has a proven track record that speaks for itself. He has made a substantial impact on our city by lifting the voices of unheard New Yorkers and advancing reforms that bring transformational change to Brooklynites and New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs. He is the activist elected official we need as New York's next Public Advocate, and I am proud to endorse his grassroots campaign."
Assembly Member Helene Weinstein (D-Brooklyn) said, "Our city's government requires a strong and vocal Public Advocate, and Jumaane has proven his ability to be both. He is an effective legislator and uses his role as an activist to raise the voices of underserved communities. I have worked closely with him and seen him demonstrate a concern and improve the quality of life for constituents throughout our overlapping districts. He is the Public Advocate we need"
Assembly Member Jamie Williams (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane is one of a kind. I admire his dedication to his constituency and the democratic ideals of which our country is founded on. I know that Jumaane is always on the front lines advocating and crusading for those who can't; even while his safety may be in jeopardy. Jumaane is the person who will be there fighting the good fight for the ideals that are fair and just; making sure that the citizens of New York City are not being taken advantage of. If there is one person who embodies the ideals of the quintessential Public Advocate that is and will always be Jumaane Williams. The success he brought to the 45th Council District as a distinguished member of the City Council will only help further his successes as the Public Advocate. I can think of no one better and nor would I want to have anyone else there to insure the protection of New York City as the Public Advocate."
Assembly Member-elect Mathylde Frontus (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane is an activist elected official who has worked relentlessly to advocate for the people of this city. His bold leadership is exactly what we need as our city's next Public Advocate, and I'm excited to endorse his grassroots campaign."
NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL
New York City Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Brooklyn) said,"For over a decade, Jumaane has been a tremendous advocate for working families and communities in Brooklyn and across all five boroughs of New York City. He has been a passionate and effective leader fighting for criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and better wages to build safer and stronger communities. He's a true partner and activist elected official in our communities and he's the candidate New Yorkers should elect as our city's next Public Advocate."
New York City Council Member Ben Kallos (D-Manhattan) said, "Advocates make the best elected officials because you know what they believed in then and what they will fight for now. I can't imagine a better Public Advocate than Jumaane Williams who has been fighting for tenants and marginalized communities for his entire life."
New York City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D-Queens) said, "Jumaane Williams has cemented his status as a champion of the people by virtue of his advocacy and many legislative accomplishments over his nine years at the City Council. I proudly support his candidacy, and look forward to working with him on behalf of our City's working families and communities of color."
New York City Council Member Antonio Reynoso (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane has long been an passionate advocate for the people of New York City, in his activism and in the Council. He is a tireless collaborator who uses every tool he has to take on issues, and brings everyone to the table to help develop solutions that work for all. I know that this is the kind of passionate spirit and expertise that he'll bring to as our next Public Advocate."
