ITHACA, N.Y. — The Painters & Allied Trades International Union District Council 4 and the New York State Council of Sheet Metal Workers both announced their endorsement of Leslie Danks Burke this week, the Democratic nominee running for the New York State Senate’s 58th district currently held by state Sen. Tom O’Mara.
The Painters & Allied Trades International Union District Council 4 represents 2,000 members, both active and retired, in 33 counties of Western and Central New York. Its members’ professions range from glassworkers to healthcare workers.
“Leslie Danks Burke is the fierce and compassionate leader we need fighting for working people in Albany, and we’re proud to endorse her in this race,” said Dan LaFrance, DC #4 Regional Business Representative. “Now more than ever, we need representatives who will fight tirelessly for workplace protections, fair wages and benefits, and job creation and training programs for our region. Leslie has shown up for working families of our community time and again, and she’s the leader we need advocating for us in the Senate.”
Danks Burke previously ran for the position in 2016, losing to O’Mara, the incumbent and current member of the State Senate.
“I’m proud to have the support of the Painters and Allied Trades International Union and its hard-working members as I fight for a real seat at the table for our communities in Albany,” said Danks Burke. “In these uncertain times, the working families of our region are struggling and it’s critical that the people leading our recovery are fighting for worker protections, a prevailing wage requirement, creating good-paying jobs, and expanding healthcare access. We’ve been without strong leadership for far too long, and I’m ready to step up and fight tirelessly for our working people.”
The New York State Council of Sheet Metal Workers represents over 5,000 members who work in industries such as HVAC and industrial sheet metal work.
“As we fight for better jobs, wages, and working conditions, it’s critical that we elect advocates like Leslie Danks Burke to the State Senate,” said Tony Castrello, president of the NYS Council of Sheet Metal Workers. “Leslie has been a tireless and compassionate leader for the working people of our region for years, consistently standing with us as we strive for justice. We are proud to endorse her run for State Senate, and look forward to continuing our fight alongside her in Albany.”
Danks Burke is an attorney and longtime advocate of healthcare, childcare and rural economy.
“The Council of Sheet Metal Workers represents hard-working men and women in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes who haven’t had a Senator in Albany fighting for local jobs, worker protections, and high-quality, affordable healthcare for all — but that’s about to change,” added Danks Burke. “I’m proud to stand together to get a real seat at the table for our region’s workforce today and in the future.”
Danks Burke previously picked up the endorsements of New York’s Sen. Chuck Schumer, Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 267, and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).
The general elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.