Congresswoman Yvette Clarke is throwing her support behind City Councilwoman Tish James’s bid for public advocate.
“Once in a long while, a special leader comes along who has an uncanny ability to empathize with the plight of everyday people and the courage to fight for them. Councilwoman Letitia James is that leader,” said Ms. Clarke, who represents Brooklyn, in a glowing statement.
Ms. Clarke pointed to Ms. James’s background as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society and her time as an assistant New York State Attorney General and time in the Council.
“Tish has always stood up for working people in Brooklyn and the people of New York. She has delivered affordable housing, passed legislation to protect women’s rights and tenants’ rights, and fought for social and economic justice for all. I’m proud to endorse Letitia James for Public Advocate and urge my fellow Democrats to join me in voting for her,” she said.
Ms. James is locked in a tight fight for the citywide office against State Senator Daniel Squadron, Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani, professor Cathy Guerriero and civilian police staffer Sidique Wai.
While Mr. Squadron and Ms. Saujani are leading the money race, Ms. James has locked up most of the major union endorsements, while Ms. Guerriero has done unexpectedly well among smaller unions and in the polls.
“I’m truly honored to earn the support of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke because we share a passion for standing up to powerful interests on behalf of everyday New Yorkers,” Ms. James said in a statement, vowing to “continue fighting for working families in every corner of New York City” if she’s elected to the post.
The candidates are set to face off tonight on NY1.