2026 General Election - Endorsements

Statewide Democratic Candidates

  • Governor / Lieutenant Governor: Kathy C. Hochul (Incumbent) & Adrienne Adams

  • State Comptroller: Thomas P. DiNapoli (Incumbent)

  • Attorney General: Letitia A. James (Incumbent)

Countywide Judicial Races

  • Justice of the Supreme Court (2nd Judicial District - Kings County):

    • Betsey Jean Jacques

    • Hemalee J. Patel

    • Sherveal Mimes

    • Lola Waterman

  • Judge of the Civil Court (Countywide)

    • Linda Lo Cascio

    • Celeste Felix

    • Christine G. Ortiz

    • Danielle A. Noel

    Legislative Races

  • New York State Assembly

    • District 51: Marcela Mitaynes

    • District 46: Chris McCreight

    • District 49: Joyce Xie

  • New York State Senate

    • District 17: Larry He

    • District 26: Andrew Gounardes

  • Congress

    • Congressional District 10: Brad Lander

    • Congressional District 11: Mike DeCillis

NYC Ballot Proposals

Proposal 1: Streamline the Process for Using Public Space

Simplify process to use public space for uses such as ramps, planters, and cafes, by removing mandatory hearings and Council disapproval of sidewalk cafes, while maintaining community and Council input.

We recommend voting No.

Government efficiency is important, but it should never come at the expense of public engagement and legislative oversight. Streamlining administrative processes should not mean removing important opportunities for New Yorkers and their elected officials to weigh in on decisions affecting public spaces/uses.

Proposal 2: Reform the Contracting and Procurement Process

Reduce paperwork for City's contractors by authorizing Procurement Policy Board to simplify contractor questionnaire. Require quarterly meetings of the Procurement Policy Board. Remove mandatory hearing for required client services report. 

We recommend voting Yes.

Government contracting should be accessible, efficient, and accountable. Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens can help smaller businesses and nonprofits participate in City contracting, while regular Procurement Policy Board meetings provide an additional opportunity for oversight.

Proposal 3: Speed Up Street Safety Projects, Office Leasing, and Activation of City Land

Simplify review of street safety projects to reduce construction timelines. Fast track disposition of unused City property with approval from City Planning Commission. Expedite leasing offices used for City workforce. 

We recommend voting No.

We are strong advocates for street safety projects but this reduces/makes more difficult the review process by local elected officials, community boards and broader community engagement. In our opinion, public input is vital to ensuring community uses and needs are taken into account in these projects.

Proposal 4: Simplify Building Permitting

Create centralized construction permits hub to simplify permitting. Move waterfront permitting from Department of Small Business Services to Department of Buildings. Allow construction approval by additional Department of Buildings officials. 

We recommend voting Yes.

A more coordinated permitting system could improve efficiency and predictability, provided that transparency, safety protections, and independent oversight remain in place.

Proposal 5: Require Contributions to the Rainy-Day Fund

Set target amount of money to hold in reserve funds, including rainy day fund, to address unexpected financial hardships in future years, and require development of methodology to calculate contributions. 

We recommend voting Yes.

Establishing a floor for the city’s rainy day fund is just good fiscal policy.