New York Attorney General Letitia James waded into the NY-7 political scrum on Sunday, throwing her weight behind Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the Democratic primary to replace Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Her nod adds another marquee name to Reynoso’s corner and tightens a race stretching across North Brooklyn and western Queens, where labor, progressive outfits and the retiring congresswoman’s network are already testing which left-of-center faction can actually deliver votes.
What James Said And Reynoso's Response
In her endorsement, James said, "Antonio Reynoso has delivered real results on affordable housing, good jobs, and justice for our communities," according to BK Reader. Reynoso said he was "deeply honored and humbled" by her support, adding that the backing "gives us powerful momentum" as his campaign tries to push back against what he called MAGA forces in Washington, per the same report.
Local Power Plays
Reynoso has been quietly stacking up institutional support. The Working Families Party officially lined up behind him on Feb. 24, and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council has also thrown its considerable clout behind his bid, signaling serious union muscle in his corner. Brooklyn Paper has detailed the labor and progressive groups rallying to Reynoso as he tries to lock down the old-school left-labor lane.
Velázquez's Role And The Wider Field
The seat opened up after Rep. Nydia Velázquez announced she would not seek reelection, a decision that instantly turned NY-7 into a competitive primary, according to City & State. Velázquez has long cultivated a network of progressive protégés and has already signaled her support for Reynoso, with City & State describing her as a political kingmaker in North Brooklyn whose blessing still matters.
The Primary Map
Reynoso’s main rival, Assemblymember Claire Valdez, has locked in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s backing along with strong ties to the DSA-aligned base. That has turned the contest into a clash between labor-backed progressives and a newer socialist-oriented coalition, as reported by QNS. Endorsements like James’s can help a candidate consolidate support among unions and established progressive clubs, a not-so-secret weapon in a district where organized labor still knows how to turn out voters.
Both campaigns now move into the next round of door-knocking, phone banking and coalition-building, trying to turn impressive endorsement lists into actual volunteers and turnout. For Reynoso, James’s backing is the latest sign his side will pitch this race as a growing labor and progressive front heading into the summer nominating fights.
