More Labor Strong 2025 endorsements in NYC Council races

The “Labor Strong” coalition of five influential labor unions is announcing its second round of New York City Council endorsements Friday, the coalition exclusively told City & State.

The coalition includes building service workers union 32BJ SEIU, public employees union District Council 37, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the New York State Nurses Association and the Communications Workers of America District 1.

The group is backing Assembly Member Harvey Epstein in the crowded race to represent lower Manhattan’s District 2. They’re unsurprisingly backing former 32BJ staffer Shirley Aldobol in the Democratic primary in Bronx District 13, which is currently represented by Republican City Council Member Kristy Marmorato. Aldobol already had the backing of 32BJ as well as the Bronx County Democratic Party. Labor Strong is also aligned with Bronx County in District 17, where it’s backing state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez’s staffer Justin Sanchez in the race to succeed City Council Land Use Chair Rafael Salamanca Jr. Speaker Adrienne Adams’ staffer Ty Hankerson got the coalition’s nod in the race to succeed her in Queens Council District 28. In Brooklyn’s District 47, it’s backing Justin Brannan staffer Kayla Santosuosso.

The coalition has now endorsed in 27 City Council races. It has not yet endorsed against any Democratic incumbents, and has so far stayed out of a few contentious races. It hasn't weighed in on the high-dollar race to succeed Council Member Keith Powers in District 4 on the Upper East Side, for example, or the similarly high-profile races to succeed Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala or Queens Council Member Francisco Moya. It also hasn't weighed in on serious challenges to incumbents Chris Marte, Shahana Hanif, Alexa Avilés, Kevin Riley or Darlene Mealy. A spokesperson for the group said “it’s possible” more endorsements could follow. 

In previous cycles, the Labor Strong independent expenditure committee has spent more than a million dollars supporting chosen candidates. It has not launched its committee yet for 2025, but plans to start spending closer to the primary date. Several of the unions in the coalition will play a role in selecting the next New York City Council speaker.

“Our five unions are proud to stand together in our efforts to elect City Council candidates who truly support workers, unions, and the needs of our city’s working families,” the group said in a statement. “These candidates have earned our endorsement by demonstrating that they will support our unions and members, as well as fight to make New York City more affordable and livable for all. We look forward to using our collective power and resources to see each of them elected to the City Council.”

The coalition is so far split on the New York City mayoral race. HTC and 32BJ SEIU have endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, while DC 37 endorsed Speaker Adams. CWA District 1 and NYSNA haven’t endorsed anyone yet. 

Here’s the full list of candidates the coalition is endorsing. Candidates in bold were most recently announced. An asterisk indicates an incumbent.

Council District 2: Harvey Epstein

Council District 5: Julie Menin*

Council District 7: Shaun Abreu*

Council District 9: Yusef Salaam*

Council District 10: Carmen De La Rosa*

Council District 11: Eric Dinowitz*

Council District 13: Shirley Aldebol

Council District 14: Pierina Sanchez*

Council District 17: Justin Sanchez

Council District 20: Sandra Ung*

Council District 22: Tiffany Caban*

Council District 24: James Gennaro*

Council District 27: Nantasha Williams*

Council District 28: Ty Hankerson

Council District 29: Lynn Schulman*

Council District 30: Dermot Smyth

Council District 33: Lincoln Restler*

Council District 34: Jennifer Gutierrez*

Council District 35: Crystal Hudson*

Council District 36: Chi Osse*

Council District 37: Sandy Nurse*

Council District 40: Rita Joseph*

Council District 42: Chris Banks*

Council District 43: Susan Zhuang*

Council District 45: Farah Louis*

Council District 47: Kayla Santosuosso

Council District 49: Kamillah Hanks*