NYC PBA announces endorsements in 11 City Council races across the City

Union Representing 50,000 New York City Police Officers Supports Fernando Cabrera, Kamillah Hanks, Mark Gjonaj, Barry Grodenchik, Ben Kallos, Peter Koo, Alan Maisel, Francisco Moya, Rafael Salamanca, and Ritchie Torres and Kalman Yeger in Campaigns for Council Seats after earlier endorsements of Elizabeth Crowley, Felix Ortiz and Robert Rodriguez

The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of the City of New York (NYC PBA) today announced endorsements in 11 races for City Council, offering support to a slate of candidates who have strong records providing support and advocating on behalf of New York City police officers. The union, which represents nearly 50,000 active and retired police officers, has endorsed Council member Fernando Cabrera, running for reelection in the 14th district in the Bronx; Kamillah Hanks running for the contested 49th district on Staten Island; Council member Barry Grodenchik, running for reelection in the 23rd district in Queens, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, running for the open Council seat in the 13th district in the Bronx; Council member Ben Kallos, running for reelection in 5th district in Manhattan; Peter Koo, running for reelection in the 20th district in Queens; Council member Alan Maisel, running for reelection in the 46th council district in Brooklyn; Assembly member Francisco Moya, running for the open seat in the 21st district; Council member Rafael Salamanca, running for reelection in the 16th district in the Bronx; Council member Ritchie Torres, running for reelection in the 15th district in the Bronx and Kalman Yeger, running for the open seat in the 44th district in Brooklyn. Elizabeth Crowley, Felix Ortiz and Robert Rodriguez had been endorsed previously.

The NYC PBA based its endorsements on a number of factors, including the candidates’ past support of key issues and their efforts on behalf of members.

PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said:

“New York City police officers need strong allies in the City Council who will support us in the difficult, dangerous work we do to protect all New Yorkers. These 11 candidates have demonstrated a commitment to the issues that are most important to police officers — including fair pay, adequate benefits, and appropriate equipment for police officers — which is why we are endorsing them today. We hope the New Yorkers in their districts will recognize their willingness to fight for the women and men who keep our streets safe, and will join us in making sure they can continue that fight in the City Council.”

The NYC PBA is expected to make additional endorsements in City Council races in the coming weeks.