As the date for the September primary elections looms closer, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz announced her endorsement of current Senator Jose Peralta’s reelection campaign.
Katz endorsed the senator on June 1, and is the latest New York City Democrat to voice her support. Other Democratic endorsements for Peralta include State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assemblyman Jeff Aubry, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Queens County Democratic Party.
“I am endorsing Senator Jose Peralta to continue his great work in representing one of our Queens districts. Jose has time and again demonstrated his commitment to advancing the issues of our borough to create jobs, protect our immigrants, fund our schools and support our working families. Jose will ensure Queens’ values are represented in Albany, and I look forward to furthering our partnership to bring opportunity and prosperity to our borough,” Katz said.
Peralta has been the senator for New York’s 13th Senate District since 2010 and is running against Jessica Ramos, a grassroots candidate from Jackson Heights. The senator’s current district covers areas in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Corona, Woodside and Astoria. The incumbent expressed his appreciation for the Queens borough president’s recent endorsement.
“I am humbled by Melinda’s confidence in me to continue representing my Queens district and bring progressive leadership for our state. Together, we have been successful in increasing school seats, upgrading our treasured parks and preserving affordable housing. Melinda has been a champion for our borough, and I will continue working with her to improve the lives of Queens residents,” Peralta said.
In addition to New York City Democrats, Peralta has also received the endorsements of multiple labor unions, including RWDSU, Plumbers Local 1, Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Uniformed Firefighters Association, CWA Local 1180, Teamsters Local 831, Steamfitters Local 638, DC37 Local 1407, DC37 Local 372, DC 9 Painters and the New York State Troopers PBA.
According to his website, he advocates for working families and ensuring that the right to public education was opened to all. In addition, he is a “champion of economic development and job creation” and staunchly supports immigrant rights.
The primary elections between Senator Peralta and Ramos will take place on Sept. 13. The candidate who wins the primary will go on to the November 2018 general election.
