Rochester, NY–Citizen Action of New York has announced its endorsement of Democratic candidates Samra Brouk for Senate District 55, Jeremy Cooney for Senate District 56, Kim Smith for Senate District 61, and Jen Lunsford for Assembly District 135.
Brouk was born in Rochester and raised in Pittsford. As a Director with DoSomething.org, she is helping mobilize millions of young people to be advocates for change. She also helped launch a start-up to help keep seniors safe in their homes.
“I am humbled and grateful to have earned the endorsement of Citizen Action of New York. We share the same commitment to addressing the needs of everyday families in New York State, and I look forward to working with them to achieve quality public education, affordable housing, and strengthen our democracy,” said Samra Brouk, candidate for the 55th Senate District.
Cooney was raised in the City of Rochester and graduated from the Rochester City School District. He has served elected officials at every level of government, including working on Capitol Hill as a staffer for the late U.S. Congressperson Louise Slaughter.
“I am excited to earn the endorsement from Citizen Action. From the beginning, our progressive campaign has been committed to serving the most vulnerable communities in Greater Rochester,” said Jeremy Cooney, candidate for the 56th Senate District. “As a candidate of color from the highly underrepresented Asian minority in NYS government, I will continue to advocate for change that challenges our current structures and includes the voices of our diverse neighbors. Citizen Action’s mission to create transformational change will continue to be part of our work going forward. Change happens when the people demand it!”
Smith is from Rochester and is the current statewide organizer for VOCAL-NY in Western New York. She has served her community for more 25 years while working in the Monroe County Department of Public Health and has fought to improve access to care.
“Our current political system is powered and influenced by extreme wealth. I am running for Senate to be an example of what democracy looks like, to challenge our State Senate to have political will, and to bring fairness and equity to our governmental system,” said Kim Smith, candidate for the 61st Senate District. “I have stood with Citizen Action of New York because they stand for and with the people. And so I am honored that, through this campaign, Citizen Action of New York stands with me.”
Lunsford is a lawyer and community activist. She has volunteered with Rochester Teen Court and the Center for Youth’s Crisis Nursery.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of Citizen Action, an organization that shares my vision of a world where everyone has dignity, stability and the opportunity to thrive,” said Jen Lunsford, candidate for the 135th Assembly District. “Citizen Action’s commitment to people-driven, grassroots political engagement make them a strong ally in the fight for justice, equality and fairness. I am excited to join forces to build a New York that works for everyone!”
“We’re thrilled to be supporting four incredible community leaders in Samra Brouk, Kim Smith, Jeremy Cooney and Jen Lunsford. We have a unique opportunity to begin a new chapter in Western New York by electing progressive champions who will fight for our communities and make sure that all people have access to excellent schools, safe housing, and quality health care,” said Lydia Rodriguez, Board Member for Citizen Action of New York.
Citizen Action of New York is a statewide, grassroots organization with 8 chapters and thousands of active members.