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Progressives Jimmy Van Bramer and Brad Lander Cross Endorse

Brad Lander (left) and Jimmy Van Bramer (Photos via campaign websites)

May 4, 2021 By Ryan Songalia

Two city council members seeking higher office exchanged endorsements on Tuesday.

Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents the 26th District in western Queens, and Brad Lander of the 39th District in Brooklyn cross endorsed in their races for Queens Borough President and City Comptroller, respectively.

Both are term-limited in their current offices and are members of the council’s Progressive Caucus.

The two have worked together on a number of issues, including a bill that would expand paid sick leave to gig workers, and they co-authored a letter calling on Speaker Corey Johnson to release the audit on City Council sexual harassment.

“Jimmy Van Bramer fights passionately for the things he cares about – for the diverse communities of Queens, for thriving neighborhoods where residents and not developers shape the future, for the libraries and cultural groups that fill our neighborhoods…for working people from janitors to taxi drivers, and for the fully equal rights of every single New Yorker,” Lander said.

Lander is running in a crowded field to replace Scott Stringer. The Democratic primary includes Johnson and Queens based State Assemblymember David Weprin and Sunnyside resident Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, among many others.

Lander, who was endorsed by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in March, has currently raised the most amount of money in the race, with $908,151 as of the last disclosure deadline on March 15.

In his endorsement, Van Bramer said Lander is someone who gets things done.

“We need someone with a consistent and serious track-record of standing up for the most vulnerable New Yorkers to steward the city’s pension funds into the future, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him for NYC Comptroller,” Van Bramer said.

Van Bramer is running against Donovan Richards, the incumbent who took office in December to complete the term of Melinda Katz, who vacated the position to become District Attorney.

Former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley is also vying for the borough president spot.