New York Communities for Change endorse Jumaane Williams for governor
ALBANY — Progressive groups are starting to line up behind Jumaane Williams as he sets his sights on Albany.
New York Communities for Change, an advocacy and community organizing group with roughly 20,000 members, is endorsing the current city public advocate in his bid to unseat Gov. Hochul.
The group plans to announce their support for Williams with a rally outside of Brooklyn Housing Court on Thursday as they knock Hochul for not doing more to prevent evictions and protect low-income New Yorkers adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic.
“Our members agree that Jumaane has the best vision, experience and plans to help low-income communities of color across the state rebuild their lives after the devastation of COVID,” Jonathan Westin, the group’s executive director, said in a statement.
While touting Williams’ progressive bona fides, Westin and others targeted Hochul over the expiration of the state’s COVID eviction moratorium and the large number of donations she has accepted from the deep-pocketed real estate developers.
Since replacing disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo six months ago, Hochul has amassed a $21 million campaign war chest.
Communities for Change Board Chairwoman Marie Pierre encouraged other progressives to back Williams as well.
“Make no mistake: Jumaane knows us, and we know Jumaane,” Pierre said. “He is up against a very well-funded corporate Democrat, which is why we urge other grassroots groups around the state with large bases of voters to get off the sidelines.
“From Brooklyn to Buffalo, it’s time for progressives to unite around Jumaane and jump into this Democratic primary with full and energetic support for his campaign,” she added.
Williams and Hochul will face off in June’s Democratic primary along with Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-L.I.).
The pair were last pitted against one another when Williams challenged the then-lieutenant governor for her post in 2018.
Hochul has earned endorsements from top Democrats and labor unions across the state and has emerged as a clear front-runner in early polling as she seeks a full term in office.
Last November, Williams entered the governor’s race, stressing his activism against racism and police brutality, and has since hammered Hochul on multiple issues, including allowing the eviction ban to expire.
