New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams was endorsed by the Working Families Party on Tuesday evening as his Democratic gubernatorial campaign seeks to solidify the backing of the progressive left in the state.
In its endorsement, the party pointed to Williams' support for issues on housing affordability, health care and child care in the state, as well as ending stop-and-frisk policies by the NYPD and enacting paid sick leave in New York City.
"I’m a Working Families Democrat because I believe our government can build a better future for the many, not the few. I’m running for Governor because I know what’s possible and am tired of an entrenched establishment standing in the way of progress,” Williams said. “Throughout my career of taking on the powerful to create change, the Working Families Party has been with me on the side of political courage and conviction, not convenience. We’ve fought and won many battles before, and I’m honored to have their support now as we work together to bring transformational change to the State of New York."
The endorsement is the latest nod for a progressive challenger in the race for governor seeking to defeat a Democratic incumbent. The party in 2018 endorsed Cynthia Nixon's campaign against then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Williams last ran statewide that year, challenging Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul for the Democratic nomination.
This year, Hochul is seeking a full term as governor. She also faces a challenge for the Democratic nomination from Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi. Polls have shown Hochul leading by double digit percentage points in the race.
The Democratic primary will be held in June.
Williams' endorsement from the Working Families Party comes days after he received the nod from another statewide progressive organization, Citizen Action.
“Jumaane has been a champion for working people since day one. We can count on him to stand up to real estate interests, Wall Street banks, and health insurance executives who are driving the agenda in Albany,” said Sochie Nnaemeka, director of the New York Working Families Party. “This moment calls for hopeful leadership that will level the playing field for working New Yorkers and make sure that everyone has guaranteed housing, quality health care, and excellent public schools."