Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his endorsement of state Senate candidate and former aide Jessica Ramos over the incumbent state Senator Jose Peralta.
The mayor’s Aug. 12 endorsement is the latest in Ramos’ growing list of supporters, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Gubernatorial Candidate Cynthia Nixon.
Before running for office, the Senate candidate worked as de Blasio’s director of Latina media in City Hall from April 2016 to December 2017. Her job was to keep nearly 2 million Spanish-speaking New Yorkers informed about government services and initiatives.
“Jessica Ramos is a tireless advocate for her community and a progressive champion for working families — and I’m proud to endorse her for state Senate,” de Blasio said. “Jessica will help give New York a true Democratic majority in the Senate and ensure vital progress in Albany — from real rent reform to public school funding to the DREAM Act. As a public school parent, a Queens native and a daily subway rider, Jessica knows firsthand the challenges her neighbors face and will stand up for working people in Albany. In City Hall, Jessica worked with me to expand access to resources for Latino communities, and I know in Albany she’ll be a strong partner that advocates for our city’s diverse communities.”
Ramos announced her run against Peralta in January 2018, citing the need for a “real Democrat” in the race. Since the beginning of her campaign, she has been a tough critic of Peralta’s former IDC (Independent Democratic Conference) membership, a stance that the senator has consistently defended. In addition to a Democratic state Senate, her platform has been focused on issues including the rights of women and immigrants, transportation and rent reform.
“Mayor de Blasio has fought to make this city fairer for working families, and I’m honored to receive his endorsement,” Ramos said. “Under the mayor’s leadership, New York City has become a national leader in early childhood education and invested deeply in public school students across all five boroughs. During my time in City Hall, I saw firsthand how many progressive policies were blocked by Republican leadership in Albany. I’m proud to have the mayor’s support as we campaign to build a true Democratic majority in the state Senate, and I look forward to partnering with his administration to deliver for working families in Queens and across the state.”
Sunday, Aug. 19, is the last day to register for voting in state and local primaries. For voter resources, including how to register, downloading forms in different languages and checking your voter status, visit the nyc.gov website and under the “NYC Resources” tab, click “Elections.”
The primary between Ramos and Peralta is Thursday, Sept. 13. Whoever wins the primary will go on to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
