NYC comptroller hopeful Justin Brannan nets key union support amid Hudson Yards casino debate
The Hotel Trades Council and 32BJ, two of New York's most influential unions, are throwing their political weight behind Justin Brannan's bid for city comptroller — the labor groups' first citywide endorsements in the 2025 cycle.
The unions, which between them represent roughly 125,000 workers in the city, hold significant sway in local elections and are known to mount extensive get-out-the-vote campaigns for their preferred candidates. Together with DC 37, the city's largest municipal union, their endorsements of Mayor Adams in the 2021 election were instrumental in carrying him to victory that year.
'I am truly honored to have the support of 32BJ and HTC as we challenge the status quo, stand up to Trump, and ensure that every worker is treated with dignity and respect,' Brannan, a Council member representing southern Brooklyn, said Thursday.
Besides being the first citywide 2025 endorsement they're offering, it's significant that HTC and 32 BJ are in Brannan endorsing the more progressive candidate in the race. The unions often back more moderate candidates, but HTC and 32 BJ officials told the Daily News they opted against backing Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Brannan's main rival in the June 24 Democratic comptroller primary, for a handful of reasons.
For HTC, which represents hotel and gaming workers, the officials said the union grew skeptical of Levine after he used his Manhattan BP post in February to advise against awarding Wynn Resorts a license to build a casino in Hudson Yards, a project that'd likely bring thousands of jobs to add to the union's ranks.
Brannan 'has always supported policies that lift up working families, promoted responsible development that creates high-quality jobs, and stood firmly against the erosion of housing protections,' HTC President Richard Maroko said.
For 32BJ, which represents building service workers, the officials said Brannan is a strong supporter of labor rights and credited him for helping advance a bill to launch the Office of Healthcare Accountability, which seeks to drive down medical costs for New Yorkers.
'Justin Brannan is a strong progressive leader who has consistently fought for working people,' 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said.
Reacting to the new labor support for Brannan, Levine spokeswoman Annabel Lassally said the BP is 'building the coalition to win this race' with some 100 endorsements from unions, political clubs and elected leaders.
Levine has so far outshined Brannan in fundraising for the comptroller's race and is lining up endorsements from various other power-players in city politics, including Manhattan Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
Brannan and Levine are battling for the comptroller nod because the incumbent, Brad Lander, isn't seeking reelection in favor of running to try and unseat Adams as mayor.
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