1199 nod for Corey in comptroller run
The city’s largest labor union is putting its political muscle behind Council Speaker Corey Johnson in his run for comptroller — an endorsement that almost completely solidifies his support among the city’s most powerful unions.
The union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, boasts about 200,000 members in the Big Apple, which represents a significant get-out-the-vote operation to help Johnson in his run.
The union’s political director, Gabby Seay, praised Johnson as the progressive leader best suited to move the city forward and someone who’s “shown time and again that he’s on the side of working people and economic justice.”
“We need leaders in city government who share our values and have the skills to make a difference,” Seay said. “That’s why 1199SEIU is endorsing Corey Johnson for comptroller.”
Johnson (photo) has racked up endorsements from four of the city’s five most powerful unions. Aside from the latest nod from 1199, he’s locked down support from DC 37, which represents municipal workers; 32BJ, which reps service workers, and the Hotel Trades Council of New York.
The other labor powerhouse is the United Federation of Teachers, which recently endorsed the sitting Comptroller Scott Stringer in his run for mayor, but the union has not yet announced who it’s supporting among those running for his soonto-be-vacant post.
Johnson is facing Councilman Brad Lander, Assemblyman David Weprin, state Sens. Brian Benjamin and Kevin Parker, as well as former Marine Zach Iscol and journalist Michelle Caruso-Cabrera.
“We were only able to get through this pandemic because of the bravery and grit of working people in New York City. As comptroller, I’ll always fight for them,” Johnson said. ”It’s an honor to have earned their support in my campaign to be New York City’s next comptroller.”