Former Manhattan borough president and New York City councilwoman, Ruth Messinger, announced her endorsement on Thursday, Dec. 10, of Jessica Haller, Democratic candidate for New York City’s 11th Council District.

 

“I know firsthand what it takes to succeed in the New York City Council, and can’t think of anyone better suited to represent the people of the 11th Council District than Jessica Haller,” said Messinger via a press release. “Jessica has the experience, passion, and knowledge to get things done for our city. She is someone we can rely on to prioritize social and climate justice and have our backs as we navigate one of the most challenging times  in our City’s history.”

 

Messinger served as president of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), an international human rights and development organization, from 1998 to 2016, and is currently the organization’s inaugural global ambassador. Her 18-year presidency at AJWS began after a 20-year career in public service in New York City as a council member and as Manhattan borough president.

 

For her part, Haller said she was proud and honored to have the support of Messinger. “Her commitment to our city, to women, to social justice, is unmatched and I hope that I can follow in her footsteps,” said Haller. “We have a lot of challenges to address in the next City Council, and I look forward to meeting them and helping the Bronx thrive in a post-pandemic world.”

 

Haller previously received the endorsements of 21 in ’21, Vote Mama, The Jewish Climate Action Network, North Bronx Racial Justice, Bronx Climate Justice North, and Women for the Win. She is competing for incumbent Councilman Andrew Cohen’s seat in the Northwest Bronx. Cohen was nominated, along with two other Democratic nominees, by his colleagues for a Bronx Supreme Court judgeship in August, and won in the November general election. He is expected to take up his new position in January 2021.

 

Other candidates in the 11th City Council District race include retired NYPD detective, Carlton Berkley, Bronx Democratic male district leader in the 81st Assembly District, Eric Dinowitz, whose father, Jeffrey Dinowitz, is State Assemblyman for that district, adjunct professor and social worker, Mino Lora, educator and executive director of the People’s Theatre Project, Abigail Martin, lawyer and CB8 committee chair, Dan Padernacht, and Bronx Democratic male district leader in the 80th Assembly District, Marcos Sierra. Dionel Then dropped out of the race in August, endorsing Dan Padernacht as he did so.