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Teachers Union Endorses Richards for Borough President

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (Emil Cohen/ NYC Council Flickr)

Feb. 2, 2021 By Allie Griffin

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards earned the backing of a major labor union Monday as he hopes to hold onto the seat.

Richards, who won a special election in November to serve until the end of 2021, was endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) for reelection as he seeks a four-year term starting January.

“Donovan Richards, throughout his career, has placed the needs of Queens public schools and their students at the forefront,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said in a statement, according to the New York Daily News. “Queens needs his leadership at this critical moment.”

Richards said he will continue to work to protect teachers in the face of the pandemic as borough president.

“As we ask our teachers to return to the classroom, we must ensure their safety and that they have access to PPE, testing and vaccination,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work with the UFT and their members to ensure every child receives a quality education in Queens.”

Richards won the June primary and November general election for borough president last year after Melinda Katz vacated the position. However, he only secured the seat for one year — the remainder of Katz’s term.

A June primary and November general election this year will determine who will serve as Queens borough president for a full four-year term beginning in 2022.

Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer has entered the race to challenge Richards and former Council Member Elizabeth Crowley has also expressed interest. Other candidates include Danniel Maio, a mapmaker from Forest Hills; Stan Morse, tenant organizer with the Justice for All Coalition; and Diana Sanchez , according to New York City Campaign Finance Board filings.