Citizen Action of New York Endorses Cynthia Nixon and Jumaane Williams

Statewide Community Organization Backs Long-Time Activists in Their Bid to Lead New York State

Albany, NY — Today, Citizen Action of New York, a grassroots community organization with over 30,000 members across New York State, announced its endorsement of Cynthia Nixon for Governor of New York and Jumaane Williams for Lieutenant Governor. Citizen Action is the first statewide organization to endorse Nixon and Williams. Citizen Action leaders expressed their enthusiasm for candidates who are committed to making choices that will support working families and communities of color across New York State.

“Cynthia and Jumaane have both been on the front lines of key fights for equity and justice in our communities,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York. “For 17 years, Cynthia Nixon has partnered with us to make sure every child in New York gets the quality education they need. New Yorkers need a partner like that as Governor. Jumaane has a long record of championing the issues that are most important to our communities and has fought hard for us in the City Council. We know they will choose to fight on behalf of everyday New Yorkers and stand up to the powerful, wealthy forces that have controlled Albany for far too long.”

“There’s too much at stake for the future of New York–we have to support the best candidates to run our state. That’s why we’re supporting Cynthia and Jumaane,” said Ivette Alfonso, President of Citizen Action of New York and a public school parent. “Our children have been shortchanged for too long, our neighbors have been victimized by a broken criminal system, and our families have suffered the effects of climate change. Cynthia and Jumaane are committed to listening to everyday New Yorkers and working on our behalf instead of being seduced by CEOs and corporate lobbyists.”

“I’m excited to talk with my fellow Buffalo residents about Cynthia and Jumaane, and I know Citizen Action members across the state are excited to do the same, whether they’re in Binghamton, Rochester, Schenectady, or Utica,” said Jim Anderson, Vice President of Citizen Action of New York. “We need a Governor who is willing to fight with us in the trenches and see what’s really going on in our neighborhoods. Upstate cities are suffering. Cynthia and Jumaane can see that, they’ve stood with us for many years, now we’ll stand with them.”

Citizen Action has worked with Cynthia Nixon for the past 17 years to win equitable funding for New York’s public schools. In her interview with Citizen Action’s Board, Nixon also expressed strong positions on key issues, such as ending cash bail, expanding voting rights, and the urgency of creating a system of publicly funded campaigns to limit the influence of big money in politics.

“Citizen Action of New York has been instrumental in fighting against the corrupting influence of big money in our democracy and advocating for quality education and health care for all,” said Cynthia Nixon. “I am so proud to receive Citizen Action’s endorsement and look forward to fighting alongside their members across New York.”

Jumaane Williams has proven to be a key leader in his role as a member of the New York City Council. He’s worked to reform our broken justice system, curb gun violence, and protect the rights of immigrants. He expressed to Citizen Action his bold vision for creating an independent ‘People’s Lt. Governor’ who will amplify the voice of communities of color and working people, ensuring that their needs are being addressed.

“I am proud to have earned the endorsement of Citizen Action of New York,” said Jumaane Williams, New York City Councilmember and candidate for Lieutenant Governor. “Whether fighting for affordable health care, campaign finance reform, civil rights, quality education, or tax fairness, Citizen Action consistently fights for the issues I care about. Their grassroots approach to immediate and effective change is an inspiration to our campaign and a model for how I plan to lead when I am elected Lieutenant Governor for the people. I know with the help of their members we will make this happen.”

Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots, member-driven organization with eight chapters and affiliates in major regions across New York State. They have regional offices in the Capital District, Southern Tier, Western New York, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New York City, and Central New York. Citizen Action is a leader in the New York Working Families Party, and is affiliated on a national level with People’s Action.

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