Local liberal stars endorse Lincoln Restler for NYC Council
Some of Brooklyn’s most prominent lefties have endorsed de Blasio administration veteran Lincoln Restler for City Council.
State Sens. Jabari Brisport and Julia Salazar, both Democrats, on Sunday voiced support of Restler, who’s running to represent a swath of Brooklyn from Greenpoint and part of Williamsburg to DUMBO and Boerum Hill.
“Lincoln will show up every day for all of our neighbors just as he has for years, and I know he will be a leader in our movement to achieve transformative change across New York,” stated Salazar, who has promised to partner with Restler on legislation aimed at lowering city rents.
At Restler’s request, she and new Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher plan to introduce a state bill that would mandate low rent for units that remain vacant for three months — about $1,800 for a one-bedroom pad in Brooklyn. The idea is to push down median rents citywide.
“I’m endorsing Lincoln for the 33rd Council District because I know he’ll be a partner in the biggest fights of our moment,” stated Brisport, who, like Salazar, rose to prominence as a socialist foe of the Brooklyn Democratic machine.
Restler got seriously involved in local politics through the reform group New Kings Democrats, which endorsed Mayor de Blasio in his first mayoral run. Restler went on to work for the mayor on issues including homelessness and social services, reporting to de Blasio stalwart Emma Wolfe.
The Working Families Party and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan) previously endorsed Restler for the 33rd District seat, currently held by term-limited Democrat Stephen Levin.
Ten candidates have registered to run in June primaries for the seat, according to the city Campaign Finance Board.
