Brooklyn Politics: Endorsements Round Up

Days before the New York City primary, national and city-wide papers are still rolling out their endorsements for state and borough-wide elections.

Governor: The New York Times endorsement of Gov. Cuomo’s still stands despite the false mailer that hit 11,000 New Yorkers pegging Cynthia Nixon as anti-Semitic. New York Daily News also sided with the incumbent noting, “His eight years have notched major accomplishments that would be the envy of many of his predecessors.” Mayor de Blasio declined to endorse either candidate and The Post has been quiet on the gubernatorial race.

Late July, Nixon and Councilman Jumaane Williams endorsed each other and joined forces on the same ticket for the primary. Both received the Working Families line in May and therefore are eligible to compete in the general election. However, Nixon has not confirmed whether or not she will.

Lt. Governor: The New York Post was, however, loud and clear about their endorsement of Kathy Hochul, donning her the “clear pick.” The New York Times gave Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane Williams their stamp of approval for Lt. Governor. Mayor de Blasio opted to stay out of this race. Mums the word for the New York Daily News on this race according to Alyssa Katz who sits on the publication’s’ editorial board.

“I believe that the Times endorsed me because they recognized that the kind of Issues I’ve taken on, and the progress and change I’ve helped fuel, here in Brooklyn speak to the same issues communities are facing in Buffalo, ” said Williams. “The challenges that each community faces may manifest different or have slightly different obstacles, but the need is the same.”

On Monday, during his 5-borough tour, Bernie Sanders gave his official nod for Williams, naming him a candidate “prepared to transform the Democratic Party….”

Attorney General: In the last two weeks, the New York Times and Daily News announced their support for Zephyr Teachout for New York State attorney general. Shortly after, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer of Queens rescinded his endorsement for Public Advocate Letitia James in the AG race and also threw his support behind Zephyr Teachout. His Bronx colleague Councilman Ritchie Torres of the Bronx pulled a similar stunt late August. Teachout also received a boost from a Bernie Sanders endorsement on Monday.

Here’s the scoop on other Brooklyn candidates who’ve been endorsed:

Simcha Felder vs. Blake Morris (Senatorial District 17 – Borough Park & Midwood):  Both the New York Times and the Daily News gave the long-shot running against State Sen. Simcha Felder their nod of approval telling readers, “Democrats can give their party’s nomination to a  candidate who cares about their values: Blake Morris.” The incumbent who often caucuses with the Republican Senate majority has come under intense scrutiny since the last election cycle. The district, it seems, will help decide the fate of legislation that comes out of the state.

Martin Dilan vs. Julia Salazar (Senatorial District 18 – Bushwick, Greenpoint & Williamsburg): Julia Salazar started off strong but the controversy surrounding her faith, the right-to-life flip-flop and the rumored affair with Keith Hernandez have brought her candidacy to an abrupt halt. The Daily News gave a lackluster nod to the eight-time incumbent Martin Dilan noting his past legislation and mostly highlighting the reasons why his opponent is the less desirable choice. The New York Post also endorsed the “stable lawmaker.” The New York Times did not endorse either candidate.

Jesse Hamilton vs. Zellnor Myrie (Senatorial District 20 – Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Brownsville, Prospect Heights, South Slope & Sunset Park): Myrie has received an overwhelming amount of support from the Daily News, New York Times and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. He also received the recently “unpopular” nod from Mayor Bill de Blasio who on Sunday announced he will not be endorsing any candidates in either the lieutenant governor’s race or the governor’s race — although Gov. Cuomo and Cynthia Nixon didn’t ask. Myrie is one of two New York State senatorial candidates to receive a New York Times endorsement in this election cycle.

Ross Barkan vs. Andrew Gounardes (Senatorial District 22 Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Dyker Heights, Sheepshead): While Andrew Gounardes has campaigned on MTA reform since his 2012 bid against State Sen. Marty Golden and has worked with the Riders Alliance since 2013  — on Sunday, The Daily News threw their support behind Ross Barkan suggesting readers, “Bubble in for Barkan.” The New York Times did not endorse either candidate.

“I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of the Daily News,” said Barkan.

“They recognize our robust vision for Southern Brooklyn and our commitment to standing up for the working class, the middle class, and the poor. Voters want real change and that’s what this campaign is about. We are building the movement to win on Thursday and defeat Marty Golden in November.”

While Barkan received a boost from New York’s hometown paper, Gounardes out-endorsed Barkan with a slew of Union nods and name-dropping electeds such as Borough President Eric Adams, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, U.S. Rep Jerry Nadler, and Bay Ridge Councilman Justin Brannan.

While no local publications threw their support behind any assembly candidates, Bklyner has the scoop on the most significant battle. In the New York Assembly, all eyes are on the Democratic primary between Mathylde Frontus and Ethan Lustig-Elgrably for the 46th assembly district. The two are vying to fill the vacant seat of convicted ex-lawmaker, Pam Harris. The Democratic nominee will go on to face Republican candidate Steve Saperstein in the November 6 general election.

Lustig-Elgrably took the lion’s share of endorsements including Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, UFT, 1199SEIU, NYCHA community leaders and many from Councilman Mark Treyger’s camp — his former boss. Frontus listed the following on her website: Brooklyn Young Democrats, NYPAN, Citizens Union, 504 Democratic Club, New York State Nurses Association, New York Chong Zheng Federation Association and a number of video-taped endorsements from local residents throughout the district.

“I am honored to have received numerous endorsements from Democratic clubs, unions, and community leaders who are confident that I am the best candidate to represent the people of the 46th Assembly District,” Frontus said.