ITHACA, N.Y.— Activist, former candidate for Lieutenant Governor and current New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has endorsed Tompkins County Legislator Anna Kelles’ bid for the New York State Assembly’s 125th District, her campaign announced on Monday.
“We need strong Progressives in Albany and that’s exactly what Anna is,” said Willaims. “Her work in housing, as well as with Local Progress is respected around the state and she has the experience to be effective in the legislature on day one.”
Williams visited Ithaca in 2018 while campaigning for Lieutenant Governor with actor and activist Cynthia Nixon, who was running for Governor, as well as Zephyr Teachout, who was running for Attorney General. Kelles has been endorsed by all three. Williams has been the New York City Public Advocate since 2019 and self describes as a Democratic Socialist.
“I’ve had the privilege of organizing with Jumaane for years with groups like NYPAN and Local Progress,” said Kelles. “Jumaane is a powerful and effective advocate for racial justice and human rights. We share a commitment to activism, immigrant rights, and housing justice. It is an honor to have his endorsement.”
Kelles has also picked up the endorsements of, Eleanor’s Legacy, The Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 267, The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3, The Tompkins-Cortland Building & Construction Trades Council and the Working Families Party.
She is one of the seven candidates for the Democratic ticket after the longtime Assemblymember Barbara Lifton announced her retirement in January. The other candidates include Jordan Lesser, the former Legislative Counsel to Lifton; Lisa Hoeschele of Cortland; Seph Murtagh, City of Ithaca Alderperson; Jason Leifer, Dryden Town Supervisor; Beau Harbin, Cortland County Legislator; local attorney Sujata Gibson.
The primary will be held on June 23. Due to COVID-19, all voters are able to request absentee ballots and early voting begins on June 13.