Actor and activist Cynthia Nixon on Sunday endorsed Albany County Democratic district attorney candidate Matt Toporowski in his bid against incumbent David Soares. 

Toporowski is mounting a challenge to Soares amid a broader debate and push over police reform following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which launched protests and demonstrations against racial discrimination and inequalities. 

Criminal justice reform advocates have eyed district attorney races in recent years as opportunities to overhaul systems.

“Matt Toporowski has the experience and the courage to lead the DA’s office with compassion and fairness,” Nixon said in a statement. “He recognizes that the choices that District Attorneys make directly impact the system of mass incarceration and he knows how that system has destroyed so many families and communities for so long. I’m proud to support Matt’s campaign because this is a moment that demands real leadership to move our communities forward.”

Nixon challenged Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a 2018 primary and has been a prominent public education advocates. She has so far endorsed in a handful of local-level races ahead of Tuesday's primary. 

“Cynthia Nixon has traveled the state, listening to the concerns of ordinary New Yorkers who have been harmed by the system that they’ve been told is there to protect them,” Toporowski saidi. “She heard the same thing that I’ve heard: we need to drastically change the system and we need to do it right now. I’m so honored to be in partnership with so many visionary leaders who are willing to stand up to the power establishment, speak the truth, and do what it takes to make the changes that our communities are demanding.”