Leading Progressive Grassroots Organizations Endorse Brad Lander for NYC Comptroller
NEW YORK – Comptroller candidate Brad Lander welcomed the endorsements of three of New York City’s leading grassroots organizations working to build political power with and win justice for low income communities of color. Make the Road Action, VOCAL Action Fund and New York Communities for Change have led powerful fights in recent years to protect tenants, win justice for immigrants, and fight discriminatory policing.
"Make the Road Action, New York Communities for Change, and VOCAL-NY Action Fund are three of the most amazing grassroots organizations fighting for justice anywhere,” said Brad Lander, candidate for NYC Comptroller. “I have learned so much from their leaders across years of marching in the streets, planning strategy, and organizing together in powerful fights – to win a $15 minimum wage, demand justice for car washeros, fight discriminatory policing, protect tenants, and so many other campaigns to bring rights and dignity to communities across NYC. I'm beyond grateful to have the support of their members. And I pledge to work even harder alongside them to center the needs of low-income communities of color, who have been hit hardest by this crisis, to secure a just recovery for New York City."
The organizations announced their endorsement of Lander for Comptroller alongside their endorsements of Jumaane Williams’ reelection campaign for Public Advocate.
Said Javier H. Valdes, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road Action: “Brad Lander has been an extremely principled and effective progressive leader, working in deep partnership with grassroots organizations throughout his tenure to solve the problems facing our communities, from abusive policing to dangerous conditions and harassment facing tenants to the profound vulnerability of low-wage workers. Jumaane Williams has been a profoundly committed fighter who has stood with us time and time again to confront racial and economic injustice, never shying away from the urgent work of standing up to the wealthy and powerful. We are excited to Get Out the Vote for them both to ensure that our city elects the progressive champions we both need and deserve.”
Carl Stubbs, VOCAL-NY Action Fund Leader, said: “We are proud to endorse Brad Lander for Comptroller and Jumaane Williams for Public Advocate - they are both proven leaders that have the vision and skill to bring progressive policies to life in New York City. Brad has consistently shown up for low-income communities of color and we are confident that as Comptroller he will ensure that our city’s financial decisions are equitable and just. Jumaane is a fighter who deserves to be re-elected, he’s exactly the person we need to push City Hall to take bold action on homelessness, policing, and all the other issues that impact the lives of our members every day.”
Jonathan Westin, Director of New York Communities for Change, said: “Jumaane and Brad have been leaders in the progressive movement since their first days in the Council together. We’re proud to stand with them in their runs for Public Advocate and Comptroller next year.”
The endorsements of these three grassroots organizations add to Lander’s growing progressive momentum. The sitting city council member was endorsed earlier this week by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Council Member Justin Brannan, and the Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, who joined actor and former gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon, Tiffany Cabán, Senators Julia Salazar and Alessandra Biaggi, Council Members Margaret Chin and Debi Rose, and unions CWA and UAW in supporting Lander.