District Council 37 is endorsing candidates for State Assembly in the first of two Democratic primaries this summer on June 28.

Due to a challenge of New York State’s redistricting lines because of political gerrymandering, the New York Court of Appeals ruled on April 27 and a U.S. District Court subsequently upheld the decision on May 10, that the state’s new election maps ignore the will of the voters and must be redrawn. With new congressional and state Senate maps now finalized, the primary election for those seats has been moved to Aug. 23.

“Our members are dedicated essential workers on the frontlines who provide the vital services that keep New York City running 24/7,” said Henry Garrido, DC 37 Executive Director. “It is critical that we elect representatives to the state Legislature who share our values and are committed to providing our members’ resources and support. Therefore, we chose to endorse the candidates that recognize us as stakeholders and partners as we work toward fully recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We selected candidates focusing on endorsing those who prioritize the issues affecting working people and their families,” Garrido said. “The union underwent a comprehensive selection process and ultimately chose each candidate based on their 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 a forward-moving agenda.”

DC 37’s list of endorsed NYS Assembly candidates includes many incumbents who have a proven record as allies of the union and its 150,000 members and 50,000 retirees. Early voting runs from June 18-26.

DC 37 Endorses Kathy Hochul for Governor

Beginning as a student organizer at Syracuse University, Gov. Kathy Hochul has devoted a lifetime to public service, first serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and later, two terms as New York’s Lt. Governor before taking over as the state’s chief elected official.

As Governor, Hochul had inherited the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She immediately took action to install policies to help working families and our at-risk communities in order to establish a fair, equitable economic recovery for all New Yorkers.

Coming from a working-class family in Buffalo, Hochul has an understanding and personal commitment to improve the quality of life and dignity of our underserved citizens. She has taken leadership to protect the progress made through her strong commitment to sustaining reproductive access, fighting climate change, providing more affordable housing, and adding protections for consumers and workplace rights.

As New York’s first female Governor, Hochul has already made history, but as she works for the people of this state, we expect her leadership to leave a legacy of a more robust economic recovery from the pandemic, and a firm commitment to a society that gives the voice for all, empowered.

Have I Been Redistricted?

Go to bit.ly/3NEGNA3 to locate your new Congressional and NYS Senate districts. Then go to voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ to find your polling place.