City Councilman Justin Brannan’s campaign for the position of NYC Comptroller is gaining momentum as key endorsements fall into his corner. The Uniformed Firefighters Association, representing 20,000 members, has publicly supported Brannan, with UFA president Andy Ansbro praising his advocacy for FDNY funding and the restoration of five-firefighter engine companies. The New York Post reports Ansbro stating, “We know Justin will always have our backs, and that’s why we’re proud to endorse him for Comptroller.”
Adding to the union support, the powerful Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has thrown his weight behind Brannan, despite traditionally not getting involved in city races. According to a Politico statement, Heastie commended Brannan's understanding of the city budget and his advocacy for working-class families. “Justin Brannan is a true champion for working-class families across our city, especially in the outer boroughs,” Heastie noted.
Brannan is contesting the Democratic primary against notable figures such as Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who has himself secured several dozen endorsements, including from lawmakers and Brooklyn City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang. With the recent backing of prominent Democratic Representatives and unions such as the Transport Workers Union and Teamsters Local 831, the race seems to be transforming into a contest of connections and the capability to secure the support of influential city stakeholders.
While Levine holds a substantial financial lead over Brannan, nearly $1.7 million to Brannan's $300,000, the Brannan campaign is confident in an upcoming boost from public matching funds, positioned amidst the energy of over 8,000 political players gathered in Albany for the Legislative Caucus Weekend. Brannan mentioned, as reported by Politico, “Speaker Carl Heastie’s steady leadership has guided New York through some of the most uncertain times.”
