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Torres Grabs Ninth Labor Endorsement in 15th Congressional District Race

Councilman Ritchie Torres grabbed his ninth labor endorsement in his run for the 15th Congressional District race, which inches closer to petitioning season.

This time Torres received the official backing from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3 (IBEW Local 3), representing electrical workers across New York City.

“When it comes to fighting for working people, Ritchie Torres doesn’t just talk a good game, he takes action and he delivers. From standing with our members who have been on strike for years against Spectrum’s corporate greed to fighting for better wages for all his constituents, there’s no question Ritchie is the champion we need in Congress. Our fight is his fight, and we are going to fight as hard for Ritchie as he’s been fighting for the members of Local 3,” said Chris Erickson, business manager for IBEW Local 3, in a statement.

The building trades union, representing 35,000 members, plan to door-knock for Torres, spreading his message across the district, which spans the South Bronx from river to river.

“Local 3 members work hard everyday to provide for their families and make ends meet. Everything they work for is under attack by the Trump Administration and they need a fighter in Congress. I will be that fighter,” said Torres, in a statement. “As one the largest unions in the building trades, I am honored to have the support of Local 3 and their historical commitment to quality jobs and workforce housing.”

The news adds to a long list of labor unions that have backed Torres. The Communication Workers of America, Hotel Trades Council, and Steamfitters Local 638. On top of labor endorsements, Torres has also raised the most money, with well over $1 million.

This has made him the top fundraiser in a packed field that include Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, Assemblyman Michael Blake, former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and community organizers Samelys Lopez and Jonathan Ortiz. The candidates are vying to succeed retiring Congressman Jose Serrano, who’s held the seat since 1990.

But while Torres grabbed a litany of labor endorsements, he didn’t cover the coveted 1199 SEIU/32BJ vote, which announced their support for Blake last month.

The congressional primary is on June 23.

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