Both State Sen. Julia Salazar and former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced on Monday, Dec. 14, that they are endorsing Elisa Crespo for the 15th District City Council seat, currently held by newly elected congressman, Ritchie Torres.

 

In a video shared on Twitter, Mark-Viverito said, “We need a candidate who will create pathways for unemployed workers, particularly those stigmatized by race, gender identity, or former incarceration status. We must seize upon this moment to make history, and elect bold leaders who are prepared to tackle the fights ahead. That’s why I’m proud to endorse mi hermana, a fellow Latina, Elisa Crespo, candidate for City Council in The Bronx’s 15th District.”

 

Meanwhile, in a Tweet, Salazar wrote, “I’m proud to endorse Elisa Crespo, an inspiring candidate running for the 15th Council District in the Bronx. Elisa embodies the progressive values that we have been fighting for & I have been impressed with her advocacy in our movement. Elisa will fight for economic justice & for the front line working families of the Bronx. I’m excited to support her and her vision.”

 

Reacting to the news, Crespo, who was profiled recently by the Norwood News said, “I’m so honored to receive these endorsements from Senator Salazar and Speaker Mark-Viverito.” She added, “In the coming recovery, we need Council members who have lived the struggles of our community, who are committed to systemic changes to make our City fairer, and who will fight for the jobs and justice that Bronx families so desperately need. I’m proud to be a champion for that agenda, and deeply grateful to have Melissa and Julia in my corner.”

 

Crespo announced her campaign for the 15th Council District in January 2020, and has since garnered endorsements from New York State Senators Luis R. Sepúlveda and Brad Hoylman; Council Members Helen Rosenthal and Jimmy Van Bramer; District Leaders Melissa Sklarz, John Blasco, and Samy Nemir-Olivares; Women of Color for Progress; the LGBTQ Victory Fund; Trans United; former candidate in the 15th City Council race, Julian Sepúlveda, and the Northwest Bronx Democrats.