NYCC stood with movement candidates that the political insiders thought were long shots. These brave candidates ran against a flood of corporate money, running to cancel rent, make billionaires pay, fund excluded workers, defund the police, and pass a Green New Deal.

And we won. Big!

Eight new left-wing Legislators will head to Albany to help take on the real estate and fossil fuel industries, banks and big money lobbyists. They defeated eight candidates - most long-time seated Legislators - who stood in the way of progress.

It’s an earthquake for the State Legislature.

Congratulations to NYCC-endorsed candidates: Jabari Brisport, Emily Gallagher, Jessica González-Rojas, Zohran Mamdani, Marcela Mitanyes, Amanda Septimo and Phara Souffrant-Forrest. NYCC members phone banked, campaigned and even fund-raised to help them succeed.

This is a very big deal. These candidates ran hard, uphill races. All were opposed by the party machines and corporate interests trying to protect billionaires. Most had the support of our allies such as DSA-NYC, Make the Road Action, Sunrise Movement, Food & Water Action and the WFP, who we salute. They were also supported by hero leaders Cynthia Nixon and Zephyr Teachout.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being a part of our movement. Our people-powered approach helped us propel these candidates toward victory and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

Now it’s time for Albany to listen up: Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie should deliver for the people, not the rich. They should cancel rent; make billionaires pay; fund excluded workers; defund the police and enact a Green New Deal.

These candidates are already joining us at events and actions to push for these vital causes. With these champions in Albany and with you along side us, I know we can win.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Westin

Executive Director

PS —we didn’t win every single race in which we endorsed. Each loss hurts - and we want to thank other candidates who worked hard but didn’t overcome the corporate money against them. Still, we won a lot more than we lost, even against the big money.

PPS —We did not formally endorse Khaleel Anderson (we closed down our endorsement process before interviewing in that district due to the pandemic; none of the candidates were formally endorsed by NYCC). But we’re thrilled he’s also headed to Albany with the values and agenda we share.