In perhaps not such a surprising announcement, Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), who represents parts of The Bronx and Westchester, formally endorsed New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) for U.S. Congress in New York’s 3rd congressional district (NY-3) on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Bowman’s endorsement comes one day after Biaggi launched her congressional campaign to succeed Democrat, Thomas Suozzi, as reported. Suozzi announced a bid to run for governor in November 2021.

 

“I am proud to endorse Senator Biaggi in her run for Congress,” said Bowman in a written statement. “Senator Biaggi leads with relentless compassion. She’s smart, bold, principled, hard-working, and most importantly, loves people. She is a champion for women’s rights and the working class, and her countless victories in the State Senate show that she truly understands the urgency of this moment.”

 

The congressman added, “As a member of Congress, I am working hard to build a nation that works for everyone, not just the privileged class, and I have full confidence Senator Biaggi, with her tireless advocacy, is looking to do the same. I look forward to Senator Biaggi joining me in DC so together we can continue to fight for working New Yorkers and for a society that embodies the ideals of justice, equality, and solidarity.”

 

Reacting to the news, the senator, who, as reported, last year, was among a number of elected officials to fall ill with COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated, said, “I am thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive Congressman Jamaal Bowman’s endorsement.”

 

On Wednesday, Feb. 9, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander also endorsed Biaggi’s candidacy. In a press release from Biaggi’s campaign, Lander is described as a leading progressive in New York State “with a formidable commitment to improving the lives of working families.” Lander’s endorsement is Biaggi’s first citywide endorsement.

 

In the context of the announcement, Lander said, “Alessandra Biaggi is a courageous legislator and empathetic leader, who took on the old boys club in Albany and has fought every day to turn electoral wins into policy changes that improve the lives of women and working class New Yorkers.”

He added, “She understands the urgency of the crises our country and our neighbors are facing – to keep a roof over their heads, to defend our democracy, to confront the climate crisis – and will be a steadfast supporter of action to meet the scale of those challenges. I’m proud to support Senator Biaggi and look forward to watching her bring her tenacity and heart to Congress,”

 

For her part, Biaggi said earning Lander’s endorsement was truly an honor. “Throughout his career, Comptroller Lander has been a thoughtful and committed partner in the work for tenants rights, affordable housing, and addressing the climate crisis,” she said. “And in his new role as Comptroller, he has quickly proven a commitment to building a more just and equitable City. I am so grateful to have his support.”

 

Norwood News reached out to each for comment. We received the following response from Doyle. “I worked for the State Senate for five years, and I’m a lifelong resident of this district. It’s important to me that we elect someone who understands how to make government work for people while also continuing the change Senator Biaggi and her colleagues started in 2018,” he said. “Whether as a candidate or a concerned citizen, I will be fighting to make sure we get the best possible Senator who can achieve great things for our community.”

 

 

Velázquez was quoted in the City & State story as saying, “I’m seriously considering running for State Senate.” She added, “The State Senate provides a great platform to make the lives of our neighborhoods better. I look forward to the process.” The councilwoman reportedly told City & State that COVID-19 and housing would be key issues in a possible senatorial campaign run.

 

For his part, Amato later told the Norwood News, “From the minute we took our district back from the clutches of the IDC, it has been crucial to ensure that our State Senator remains connected to the grassroots movement that helped us gain our historic Democratic Majority in the Senate.”

 

He added, “Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in the Senate to serve our community and help our constituents; as an organizer, I have worked across the Bronx and Westchester with regional advocates, and through the pandemic, I formed a mutual aid network that continues to bring 10,000 pounds of fresh produce weekly and over 1 million face masks and PPE supplies to our Bronx neighborhoods.”

Amato concluded, “I am deeply committed to seeing our communities rise together. As I explore the viability of a Senate run, I’ll be certain to remain connected to the grassroots voices in our District and will make a decision based on what is best for our community.”

 

Meanwhile, when contacted for comment, Theobald said, “I can confirm I’m considering it. The messages of support I’ve received since yesterday has only encouraged me more. The district needs strong, experienced leadership and I think I have a lot to offer.”

 

Bowman’s congressional district and Biaggi’s senatorial district currently both encompass Riverdale, Mount Vernon, and Pelham. The newly drawn congressional NY-3 district, following the latest redistricting proposal by Democrats, which has since been signed off by Gov. Kathy Hochul, includes Westchester neighborhoods previously represented by Bowman.

 

However, as reported by The Bronx Times on Tuesday, East Bronx residents have sent an open letter to Hochul, State senate majority leader, Andrea Stewart Cousins, State assembly speaker, Carl Heastie, Biaggi, herself, and Assembly Member Michael Benedetto (A.D. 82), voicing their dissatisfaction with the new redistricting arrangements which sees the East of the borough essentially cut off from the rest of The Bronx and falling into New York’s newly drawn 3rd congressional district (NY-3), together with parts of Queens and Long Island. “We have about as much in common with someone in Smithtown, Long Island, as we do with someone on the planet Mars,” the residents wrote.

 

Also on Tuesday, as reported, former New York City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito endorsed Melanie D’Arrigo in New York’s 3rd congressional district race. Described as an organizer, healthcare advocate, activist, mother of three, and a leader in the Latino and Puerto Rican communities in The Bronx, D’Arrigo recently announced her candidacy in the race.

 

Ostensibly, though their backgrounds differ, it appears the two female candidates may well be targeting much of the same voter base. In the murky world of politics, a cynic might even surmise that someone, somewhere is attempting to orchestrate a split in the progressive vote.

 

 

Maryann Maltese, a realtor sales associate at Huntington Homes – Laffey Real Estate, has also announced her intention to run for the seat. Maltese is a former hair designer/stylist at The Falcon and the Two Crowes, and a former regional manager/chief of staff at NYS Assembly.