New York, NY—Today, NYIC Action, the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition, announced its first round of endorsements for the New York State Senate and State Assembly.
This round of endorsements encompasses elected leaders from across the state who have all demonstrated their commitment to immigrant rights. They represent diverse communities, helping to ensure inclusive representation for all New Yorkers. These endorsements come at a pivotal moment in a critical election year, as immigration has emerged as the top issue for voters while New York Democrats strive to maintain control of both the State Senate and State Assembly.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of NYIC Action, said:
“As immigration takes center stage, it is crucial that we elect pro-immigrant candidates who have proven their dedication to pushing forward the rights of all New Yorkers. We are proud to endorse this slate of candidates for re-election in the State Legislature, who have consistently stood with immigrant New Yorkers amidst rising anti-immigrant politics fueled by MAGA Republicans. These legislators are experienced leaders who have championed immigrant New Yorkers within the halls of Albany, advocating for representation and equal rights for all. We need a strong legislative body that will pass laws that center the voices of our immigrant neighbors so that all New Yorkers can thrive in our great state.”
NYIC Action's State Legislature endorsed candidates are:
State Senate
Andrea Stewart-Cousins - District 35
Michael Gianaris - District 12
Andrew Gounardes - District 26
Brad Hoylman - District 47
Brian Kavanagh - District 27
Gustavo Rivera - District 33
Jabari Brisport - District 25
Jessica Ramos - District 13
John Liu - District 16
Jose M. Serrano - District 29
Julia Salazar - District 18
Kristen Gonzalez - District 59
Luis Sepulveda - District 32
Nathalia Fernandez - District 34
Pete Harckham - District 40
Robert Jackson - District 31
Samra Brouk - District 55
Shelley Mayer - District 37
Zellnor Myrie - District 20
State Assembly
Carl Heastie - District 83
Al Taylor - District 71
Alex Bores - District 73
Andrew Hevesi - District 28
Anna Kelles - District 125
Catalina Cruz - District 39
Chris Burdick - District 93
Dana Levenberg - District 95
Eddie Gibbs - District 68
Emily Gallagher - District 50
George Alvarez - District 78
Grace Lee - District 65
Harvey Epstein - District 74
Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas - District 34
John Zaccaro - District 80
Jonathan Rivera - District 149
Karines Reyes - District 87
Kenny Burgos - District 85
Khaleel Anderson - District 31
Latrice Walker - District 55
Manny De Los Santos - District 72
Marcela Mitaynes - District 51
Michelle Solages - District 22
Phara Souffrant Forrest - District 57
Rebecca Seawright - District 76
Robert Carroll - District 44
Ron Kim - District 40
Sarah Clark - District 136
Sarahana Shrestha - District 103
Steven Otis - District 91
Steven Raga - District 30
Tony Simone - District 75
Yudelka Tapia - District 86
Zohran Mamdani - District 36
"I am immensely proud to be endorsed by NYIC Action and ready to continue building a New York that serves the many, not the few. As a proud daughter of an immigrant family, Queens native, and community organizer, I believe that everyone has a right to a dignified life and shouldn't have to struggle for it. That's why I believe in continuing to be a staunch advocate for immigrants in Albany, including by fighting for the New York Health Act and Coverage for All, to ensure that low-income immigrants have equal access to healthcare programs and services,” said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D59).
“I’m so proud to be endorsed by NYIC Action. As the daughter of an immigrant and the representative of vibrant and diverse immigrant communities, I’m committed to advancing economic and social justice for all New Yorkers. I’m honored to be the prime sponsor of Coverage for All and to work with NYIC on its passage because healthcare is a human right,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D34).
“NYIC Action has long led the fight to ensure that our state’s vast patchwork for immigrant communities has a seat at the table. Thank you for NYIC Action for your support and for never relenting in the pursuit of a more just and welcoming New York,” said State Senator John Liu (D16).
"I am so honored to receive the endorsement of NYIC Action, who do the vital work of fighting to protect New York's immigrant communities every day. As a daughter of Haitian immigrants and the chair of the Assembly's New Americans Task Force, it's essential that I'm using my office to organize in tandem with immigrant communities in my district. It is my duty as a legislator to serve all New Yorkers and ensure across-the-board access to vital public resources. I'm excited to organize with NYIC Action over this next term to pass the Access to Representation Act and ensure all of my constituents have the right to counsel. Together, we can continue our fight to balance the scales of justice in New York,” said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest (D57).
"As the representative of New York's 31st Assembly district, I am deeply grateful for the endorsement of NYIC Action. Their support energizes me to continue championing the rights and opportunities of all immigrants in our diverse community,” said Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson (D31).
Background:
This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for New York State Senate and State Assembly. These endorsements were made following a careful review of candidates who signed on to NYIC Action’s policy platform pledge, to create healthy communities; end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; create quality education for all; build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights; and ensure economic justice and good jobs.