With Immigrants Under Attack, NYIC Action Endorses Slate of Strong, Pro-Immigrant Candidates for State Legislature
Press Release
501(c)4 Organization Throws Support Behind Challengers in Senate Districts 40, 42, 49, and 55
New York, NY (October 1, 2020) – As immigrant New Yorkers continue to serve on the frontlines of the state’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and suffer from the economic recession, NYIC Action—the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501(c)4 organization and political arm—announced today its final set of endorsements for the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly. Among the group are:
Senator Pete Harckham (District 40) in Dutchess County running against failed Westchester County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino.
Senator Jen Metzger (District 42) in Middletown running against anti-immigrant and anti-union Republican Mike Martucci.
Thearse McCalmon for Senate (District 49), challenger to 18-term Republican legislator James Tedisco in Schenectady.
Samra Brouk for Senate (District 55), challenger to right-wing anti-reform candidate Christopher Missick in Rochester.
Murad Awawdeh and Rovika Rajkishun, Interim Co-Executive Directors of NYIC Action, said, “One-third of our state’s essential workers are immigrant New Yorkers who are on the frontline of this pandemic, serving as doctors and nurses, farmworkers, cleaners, cooks, and more. But far too many are struggling to feed their families, pay their bills, and make the rent. This November, NYIC Action aims to send progressive leaders to Albany that understand the needs of all their constituents—including immigrant New Yorkers—and will fight for a fairer and more just state. The last four years prove that ensuring every New Yorker can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or immigration status, must begin with a strong, representative voice at our state capitol.”
The endorsements were made following the completion of a survey by candidates and their staff. The surveys focused on five distinct policy areas: expanding our democracy, racial justice, health and welfare, education, and immigrant justice. It also asked candidates to outline their top 3 priorities for immigrants and asked how campaigns plan to reach out to immigrant voters.
Other candidates we endorse for the 2020 General Election are:
Jacqui Berger (Senate District 61); Michelle Hinchey (Senate District 46); Senator Anna Kaplan (District 7); Jen Lunsford (Assembly District 135); Christine Pellegrino (Senate District 4); Senator Luis Sepulveda (District 32); and Karen Smythe (Senate District 41).