November 9, 2022 (New York, NY)–Today, Citizen Action of New York is celebrating our success and the success of our progressive partners, especially the Working Families Party, in helping secure a victory for Governor Kathy Hochul over far-right extremist Lee Zeldin. Hopefully, the Governor recognizes that the coalition that wins New York is one that fully embraces a vision for the state rooted in dignity, progress, and the common good. Now it’s time for her to work with us to make that vision a reality.
“New Yorkers want a government that does more to make people’s lives easier, by investing our public money in low-cost, high-quality housing, excellent schools, and mental health services. New Yorkers want climate protection, jobs that support families, and communities where everyone is safe,” said Rebecca Garrard, Legislative Director for Citizen Action. “To do this, Governor Hochul has to be committed to protecting our economy from corporate greed and making the wealthy and corporations pay what they owe.”
Citizen Action of New York is also celebrating the victory of State Senator-elect Lea Webb, who will be a champion in Albany, working tirelessly to make our vision for New York a reality. A longtime member of Citizen Action, Senator Webb ran a strong grassroots campaign with a bold, progressive platform that inspired Citizen Action members to knock on thousands of doors and make thousands of phone calls in order to get her elected.
“Yesterday I was up early to get out the vote and I’m thrilled I could be a part of Lea Webb becoming our State Senator,” said Shadedria Bratton, member of Citizen Action of New York, Binghamton chapter. “I am heavily invested in my community and Lea has been a champion for us during her time on Binghamton City Council. I know she’ll be a champion for everyday New Yorkers in the statehouse.”
Building power from Staten Island to Buffalo, members of Citizen Action knocked on thousands of doors, made over 100,000 phone calls and engaged in GOTV efforts. Along with Webb, many progressive candidates we endorsed across the state won their races for office. We thank and congratulate U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, as well as State Senators Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport, Samra Brouk, Cordell Cleare, Michael Gianaris, Michelle Hinchey, Brad Hoylman, Robert Jackson, Liz Krueger, Brian Kavanagh, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Gustavo Rivera, and Julia Salazar, and State Representatives Khaleel Anderson, Catalina Cruz, Harvey Epstein, Jessica González-Rojas, Zohran Mamdani, Karines Reyes, Linda Rosenthal, Amanda Septimo, and Latrice Walker, all of whom will keep their seats for the next term. We welcome and celebrate Assembly newcomer Sarahana Shrestha in her people-powered victory in the mid-Hudson Valley Assembly District 104.
“Once again, New Yorkers have shown with their vote the direction they want to see this state go in. It’s time for those in office to listen. As a grassroots organization, we support the candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to showing up for our most marginalized community members, standing against the excessive influence of corporations and the ultra-wealthy in our politics, and advancing legislation that promotes equity, justice, safety and well-being for every New Yorker,” said Stanley Fritz, Movement Politics Director of Citizen Action of New York.
Citizen Action of New York is a grassroots organization with eight regional chapters and affiliates and over 30,000 members across New York State. We work on issues important to our communities, including fair elections, equitable school funding, housing for all, environmental justice, and ending mass incarceration.
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