The Working Families Party on Thursday endorsed Antonio Reynoso to represent New York’s 7th Congressional District.
The current Borough President is looking to replace Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, who in November announced that she was not going to seek re-election. Queens Assembly Member Claire Valdez and Queens City Council Member Julie Won are also running for the seat that covers parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
"These are unprecedented times and Antonio is the best candidate to fight for working families in Washington D.C. and build a movement strong enough to defeat the forces of authoritarianism," Jasmine Gripper, state director of the New York Working Families Party, said in a statement. "Importantly, Antonio is deeply trusted by our movement; he got his start organizing by knocking on doors in his community with New York ACORN. We know that as a member of Congress, he will lead the fights to protect immigrants, stand up for tenants, stand arm in arm with labor, and make New York a place where working families can afford to live and thrive."
The endorsement in the closely-watched race gives Reynoso a major boost as it usually comes with an army of volunteers, money and sway.
Velázquez has been vocal about her support for Reynoso, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has preferred to see Valdez in the seat.
Mamdani, who spoke at a weather-related press conference on Tuesday, said he was "heartened" by the votes some WFP members cast for Valdez.
"She is an incredible Assembly Member and someone that I'm so happy and excited to be supporting," the mayor said.
Reynoso, who was raised in Williamsburg, said he was honored to receive the endorsement.
"Since my time as an organizer and from the beginning of my time in public office, we have worked together on critical issues for working families in this city like affordable housing, universal childcare and supporting our immigrant communities," Reynoso said. "Together, we will take our fight to Washington, stand up for Brooklyn and Queens, hold the line against Donald Trump and deliver real wins for the working class."
