District Council 37, New York City’s largest public sector union representing 150,000 workers and 50,000 retirees, today endorsed eight new candidates for City Council, including four from the Bronx. These candidates add to the list of 31 candidates DC 37 has already endorsed. The union is committed to mobilizing its sizable membership on behalf of these candidates. If elected, the union’s endorsed candidates would constitute the majority of the City Council.
“Our workers answered the call when New Yorkers needed them most. Now our elected officials must answer theirs,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director District Council 37, AFSCME. “It’s critical that our City Council put workers first in New York City’s recovery. We’re proud to endorse candidates who are committed to putting working people first.”
The union underwent a comprehensive selection process and ultimately chose each candidate based on his or her commitment to a pro-worker agenda, including fighting the economic and social injustices the pandemic has exposed, and an understanding of what it will take to enact such an agenda. The candidates endorsed by DC 37 are:
- Eric Dinowitz (District 11)
- Marjorie Velazquez (District 13)
- Pierina Sanchez (District 14)
- Ischia Bravo (District 15)
“DC37 members have been on the front lines throughout this pandemic, and I am honored to have their support,” said District 11 candidate, Eric Dinowitz. “In the City Council, I will fight to ensure all of our essential workers and seniors get the support they deserve. As the Northwest Bronx faces unprecedented challenges, I’m ready to stand up for our community and deliver the resources we need for a fair recovery.”
Democratic District Leader Marjorie Velázquez, candidate for the 13th City Council District.
“I’m so excited to have the support of DC 37 again in my campaign for City Council this year. DC37 represents so many of New York’s essential workers who have kept the city running through this terrible pandemic. On the City Council, I will work as hard for them as they work for all of us. I’m truly honored to have DC 37’s support,” said District 13 candidate, Marjorie Velazquez.
“I am so grateful to have DC 37 support our grassroots campaign for working families in District 14. My aunt is a 30-year retiree of DC 37, and growing up with her, I saw firsthand how her union job not only helped support her, but our extended family,” said District 14 candidate, Pierina Sanchez. “Unions stabilize our communities and provide pathways to opportunity and living dignified lives. DC 37 fights for the people who quite literally keep New York City running. I look forward to continuing to work with DC 37 in the movement to protect union jobs and ensure safe working conditions for all New Yorkers.”
Earlier this year, as part of the #LaborStrong2021, DC37 endorsed 31 candidates for City Council. The coalition, which also includes 32BJ SEIU, Communications Workers of America District 1 (CWA), Hotel Trades Council (HTC), and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), has pledged to commit significant resources to the races where it has endorsed.
The other Bronx candidates endorsed by #LaborStrong2021 are:
BRONX
Diana Ayala (Distr. 8) — Bronx/East Harlem incumbent who is not term-limited
Kevin Riley (Distr. 12) — recently won the December 2020 special election to replace Andy King, who was expelled by the City Council last October.
Althea Stevens (Distr. 16)
Amanda Farias (Distr. 18)
New York’s primary elections are scheduled to take place June 22, 2021.
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