Lander Endorsed By Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez In Comptroller Race

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn Council Member Brad Lander has landed the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in his race for the city's comptroller position, his campaign announced early Wednesday.

The endorsement is the first in a citywide race this election cycle for Ocasio-Cortez, who is known for the key star power she brings to campaigns in and outside of New York City.

“Brad understands that, for government to be able to deliver the bold transformative change we need, it has to work for and with the people,” the congresswoman said.

“Brad has a powerful vision for how to lead New York City towards a just recovery, embracing investments in good green jobs and truly affordable housing, and building on his track record of working in deep partnership with communities to ensure no one is left behind. That’s the kind of leadership our city needs to face the challenges of the future.”

Ocasio-Cortez joins other big name endorsements for Lander in Congress, including U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Both the council member's campaign and political analysts have pointed to Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement as the likely solidifier of Lander's path to victory as the progressive candidate in the upcoming June primaries.

“Alexandria models, better than anyone else in politics, the transformative potential in making government more transparent, accessible, and accountable to the goals of making life better for working families and securing a better future for all our communities," Lander said. "I’m so honored to have her support, and excited about the work ahead together to put government to work for the people and our movements for justice."

The race for comptroller also includes state senators Brian Benjamin and Kevin Parker, nonprofit leader Zachary Iscol and, most recently, Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who threatened to shake up the race when he announced his candidacy earlier this month.

Lander currently serves in city council in Mayor Bill de Blasio's former seat in District 39, which stretches from Carroll Gardens down to Borough Park. He is co-founder of the City Council’s progressive caucus.