As Public Advocate, Williams Will Elevate the Voices of New Yorkers Facing Skyrocketing Rents, Unjust Criminalization
Albany, NY – Citizen Action of New York has announced its endorsement of Jumaane Williams for New York City Public Advocate.
Williams, in his role as City Council member, has continued to advocate for marginalized groups and amplify the voices of everyday New Yorkers. His deep commitment to challenging injustices in our society align with the principles that Citizen Action was founded on.
“I am proud, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the NYC Chapter of Citizen Action of New York, to endorse Jumaane Williams as our next Public Advocate. Jumaane Williams is an authentic leader who is not a part of the system, but is a part of the great people of our city,” said Jamell Henderson, NYC Board Member for Citizen Action of New York. “There are many individuals who still believe that ignoring the will of the people and focusing on the people in power is the way to get ahead in today’s politics. I am thankful for the rise in individuals who are bold enough—and brave enough—to go against the grain.”
Williams has rejected big money interests, choosing to raise money through small dollar donors and utilize New York City’s successful matching program. He has prioritized issues like universal rent control and investing in quality public housing, which have long been opposed by powerful New York City developers and real estate interests.
“If we want the voices of NYC residents to be heard, then Jumaane Williams should be Public Advocate. In the past we’ve seen Jumaane’s fearlessness in advocating for the issues that are dearly important to NYC folks, such as gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights,” said Kristine Arroyo, Citizen Action member. “He has been one of the very few who have protested on the ground with the people.”
Jumaane Williams was endorsed by Citizen Action of New York during his run for Lieutenant Governor, where he garnered over 669,000 votes. Williams, in his bid for Public Advocate, has been endorsed by the Working Families Party, New York Communities for Change, Community Voices Heard, and New York Progressive Action Network.
The special election for Public Advocate is on February 26th.
###