TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. — Sen. Chuck Schumer announced his endorsements of Leslie Danks Burke’s bid for New York State Senate 58th district as well as Tracy Mitrano in her bid to unseat Rep. Tom Reed in NY-23.
“As we face a challenging and uncertain time, it is more important than ever that the families of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes have a true champion fighting for them in Albany,” said Sen. Schumer. “I am proud to support Leslie Danks Burke in her campaign for State Senate because I know she will work tirelessly on behalf of the working families, small businesses, and farmers of her region and win her community the real seat at the table it deserves.”
Danks Burke previously ran for this seat in 2016, losing to incumbent and current Representative, Republican Tom O’Mara. She is an attorney and an advocate for healthcare, education, and rural economy.
“I am honored to have earned the support of Senator Schumer, who’s strong national leadership is matched by his commitment to fighting for local families here in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes,” added Danks Burke. “I’m ready to get to work for our region, winning much-needed investment for our bridges and roads, improving our schools, protecting workers, supporting small businesses, and fighting for healthcare for all. Senator Schumer’s support today adds to my drive to fight hard for a better New York for all.”
Sen. Schumer also announced his support of Tracy Mitrono’s bid for New York State’s 23rd Congressional District last week.
“I am proud to endorse Tracy Mitrano,” said Sen. Schumer. “Tracy is a strong, honest, and hard-working person who gets things done. And from expanding access to affordable health care to tackling the opioid crisis to delivering for our family farmers, I know Tracy Mitrano will leave politics at the door to make sure New Yorkers get the fair shot they deserve.”
Mitrano previously ran for against Reed in 2018, losing by 8.4 percentage points — 54.2% to 45.8.
Mitrano is a former Director of Information Technology Policy at Cornell University. She has cited cybersecurity as an issue of increasing importance in Congress, as the integrity of elections from foriegn interfearence has become a prominenty issue.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this endorsement from Senator Schumer,” said Mitrano. “His commitment to New York and willingness to work with both sides are an inspiration to us all. I am grateful for his support and trust in me, and I am determined to continue to work hard to be able to represent the Finger Lakes, Western, and Southern New York values in Washington.”
The general elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.