The Resort Trades Council and 32BJ, two of New York’s most influential unions, are throwing their political weight behind Justin Brannan’s bid for metropolis comptroller — the labor teams’ first citywide endorsements within the 2025 cycle.
The unions, which between them signify roughly 125,000 staff within the metropolis, maintain vital sway in native elections and are recognized to mount in depth get-out-the-vote campaigns for his or her most popular candidates. Along with DC 37, town’s largest municipal union, their endorsements of Mayor Adams within the 2021 election have been instrumental in carrying him to victory that 12 months.
“I am truly honored to have the support of 32BJ and HTC as we challenge the status quo, stand up to Trump, and ensure that every worker is treated with dignity and respect,” Brannan, a Council member representing southern Brooklyn, mentioned Thursday.
For HTC, which represents lodge and gaming staff, the officers mentioned the union grew skeptical of Levine after he used his Manhattan BP submit in February to advise towards awarding Wynn Resorts a license to construct a on line casino in Hudson Yards, a undertaking that’d possible carry 1000’s of jobs so as to add to the union’s ranks.
Brannan “has always supported policies that lift up working families, promoted responsible development that creates high-quality jobs, and stood firmly against the erosion of housing protections,” HTC President Richard Maroko mentioned.
For 32BJ, which represents constructing service staff, the officers mentioned Brannan is a powerful supporter of labor rights and credited him for serving to advance a invoice to launch the Workplace of Healthcare Accountability, which seeks to drive down medical prices for New Yorkers.
“Justin Brannan is a strong progressive leader who has consistently fought for working people,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich mentioned.
Reacting to the brand new labor assist for Brannan, Levine spokeswoman Annabel Lassally mentioned the BP is “building the coalition to win this race” with some 100 endorsements from unions, political golf equipment and elected leaders.
Levine has to date outshined Brannan in fundraising for the comptroller’s race and is lining up endorsements from varied different power-players in metropolis politics, together with Manhattan Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
Brannan and Levine are battling for the comptroller nod as a result of the incumbent, Brad Lander, isn’t searching for reelection in favor of working to attempt to unseat Adams as mayor.
Initially Printed: April 10, 2025 at 10:53 AM EDT
