Press Release: Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club Announces Additional NYS and Congressional Endorsements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allen Roskoff - 917-553-7180, aroskoff@mac.com
NEW YORK - The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, New York’s city-wide, progressive LGBTQ Democratic club, announced today a new round of endorsements in the key 2022 New York Statewide, U.S. Congressional, and New York State legislative races. In the statewide races, the club endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul, Ana Maria Archila for Lieutenant Governor, State Attorney General Letitia James, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Governor Hochul issued the following statement in response to our endorsement of her candidacy: “The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club has long been a leading voice for justice, and I am beyond proud to earn their endorsement. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the nation, I'm committed to ensuring New York remains a national leader in the fight to advance dignity and full equality for every resident."
“Our objective in this round of endorsements was to support progressive candidates and see to it that Lee Zeldin, a MAGA acolyte, is not elected to destroy New York State. We believe that Governor Hochul is the person to thwart a right wing Republican take over of NY State. We intend to hold her accountable on issues important to the progressive community and will go to all lengths to secure her victory. That said, we have the highest regard for Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and the work he has done, and we hope to continue working with him for justice. At the same time, we are so proud to endorse Ana Maria Archila and do everything we can to have the first ever open member of the LGBTQ Community and first ever Latina Lt. Governor,” said club President Allen Roskoff.
The club notably endorsed Congressional insurgent candidate Melanie D’Arrigo, and U.S. Representatives Grace Meng, Hakeem Jeffries, and Carolyn Maloney. The club also endorsed Juan Ardila for NY State Assembly.Allen Roskoff, club president, described the candidates as“powerful leaders who are needed in these critical elected positions.”Roskoff continued,“From amazing progressive candidate Melanie D’Arrigo to these senior Congressional incumbents, we’re proud to endorse this slate. New York is lucky to have US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, State Attorney General Letitia James, and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as our statewide leaders, and we’re grateful for the work that Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Grace Meng and Hakeem Jeffries do in Washington D.C. We look forward to continuing to work with all of them on the issues that matter most to us and so many New Yorkers.
All of our endorsed candidates pledged support for the goals and values of Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club including LGBTQ issues, criminal justice reform, economic, and racial justice. The vast majority of endorsed candidates agreed to remove Edward I. Koch’s name from the 59th Street Bridge for his role as an AIDS criminal during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the blatant racism of his administration while he served as Mayor of New York City.
From left to right: Kathy Hochul for NY Governor; Ana Maria Archila for NY Lieutenant Governor; Letitia James for NY State Attorney General; Tom DiNapoli for NY State Comptroller; Chuck Schumer for U.S. Senate Majority Leader; Melanie D’Arrigo for U.S. Congressional District 03; Grace Meng for U.S. Congressional District 06; Hakeem Jeffries for U.S. Congressional District 08; Carolyn Maloney for U.S. Congressional District 12; Juan Ardila for NY Assembly District 37
The club made the following endorsements at its prior 2022 meetings:
U.S. Congress:
Jerry Nadler - Congressional District 10
Adriana Espaillat - Congressional District 13
Ritchie Torres - Congressional District 15
Jamaal Bowman - Congressional District 16
New York State Senate:
Mike Gianaris - State Senate District 12
Jessica Ramos - State Senate District 13
Julia Salazar – State Senate District 18
David Alexis - State Senate District 21
Andrew Gounardes - State Senate District 22
Sarah Blas - State Senate District 23
Brad Hoylman - State Senate District 27
Yuh-Line Niou - State Senate District 29
Jose Serrano - State Senate District 31
Cordell Cleare - State Senate District 32
Robert Jackson – State Senate District 33
Luis Sepulveda - State Senate District 34
Gustavo Rivera - State Senate District 35
Christian Amato - State Senate District 36
New York State Assembly:
David Weprin - Assembly District 24
Alicia Hyndman – Assembly District 29
Khaleel Anderson - Assembly District 31
Jessica González-Rojas - Assembly District 34
Zohran Mamdani - Assembly District 36
Catalina Cruz - Assembly District 39
Robert Carroll - Assembly District 44
Emily Gallagher - Assembly District 50
Jo Anne Simon - Assembly District 52
Maritza Davila - Assembly District 53
Samy Nemir Olivares - Assembly District 54
Latrice Walker – Assembly District 55
Olanike Alabi - Assembly District 57
Ryder Kessler – Assembly District 66
John Ruiz Miranda - Assembly District 68
Inez Dickens - Assembly District 70
Kellie Leeson - Assembly District 73
Harvey Epstein - Assembly District 74
Tony Simone - State Assembly District 75
Rebecca Seawright - Assembly District 76
Chantel Jackson - Assembly District 79
Jessica Altagracia Woolford – Assembly District 81
Jonathan Soto - Assembly District 82
Amanda Septimo - Assembly District 84
Kenny Burgos - Assembly District 85
District Leaders:
Ramdat Singh - Assembly District 81
Judicial Endorsements:
Derron Bowen – Civil Court, Manhattan
Hilary Gingold – Surrogate Court, Manhattan
Lisa Sokoloff – 2nd Civil Court, Manhattan
Terrence McCormick – 4th Civil Court, Manhattan
Carmen Pacheco – Municipal District, Civil Court Judge –Manhattan
Devin Robinson – Civil Court Judge, Brooklyn
Pamela Patton Fynes – Civil Court, Kings County
Sherveal Mimes – Civil Court, Kings County
The club will continue to make endorsements for other seats in the state legislature, as well as statewide, congressional races and judicial seats at upcoming meetings.