More Labor Strong 2025 endorsements in NYC Council races
The “Labor Strong” coalition of five influential labor unions is announcing its second round of New York City Council endorsements Friday, the coalition exclusively told City & State.
The coalition includes building service workers union 32BJ SEIU, public employees union District Council 37, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the New York State Nurses Association and the Communications Workers of America District 1.
The group is backing Assembly Member Harvey Epstein in the crowded race to represent lower Manhattan’s District 2. They’re unsurprisingly backing former 32BJ staffer Shirley Aldobol in the Democratic primary in Bronx District 13, which is currently represented by Republican City Council Member Kristy Marmorato. Aldobol already had the backing of 32BJ as well as the Bronx County Democratic Party. Labor Strong is also aligned with Bronx County in District 17, where it’s backing state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez’s staffer Justin Sanchez in the race to succeed City Council Land Use Chair Rafael Salamanca Jr. Speaker Adrienne Adams’ staffer Ty Hankerson got the coalition’s nod in the race to succeed her in Queens Council District 28. In Brooklyn’s District 47, it’s backing Justin Brannan staffer Kayla Santosuosso.
The coalition has now endorsed in 27 City Council races. It has not yet endorsed against any Democratic incumbents, and has so far stayed out of a few contentious races. It hasn't weighed in on the high-dollar race to succeed Council Member Keith Powers in District 4 on the Upper East Side, for example, or the similarly high-profile races to succeed Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala or Queens Council Member Francisco Moya. It also hasn't weighed in on serious challenges to incumbents Chris Marte, Shahana Hanif, Alexa Avilés, Kevin Riley or Darlene Mealy. A spokesperson for the group said “it’s possible” more endorsements could follow.
https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2025/04/more-labor-strong-2025-endorsements-nyc-council-races/404827/?oref=csny-category-lander-top-story