Latino Lawyers President Picks Up New Endorsements in Assembly Race

By David Brand

Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County President Catalina Cruz, the Democratic nominee for State Assembly District 39, picked up two new endorsements from Western Queens leaders Monday.

State Sen. Michael Gianaris and State Assembly Member Aravella Simotas both threw their support behind Cruz at a press conference in Jackson Heights. Last month, Cruz defeated incumbent Ari Espinal in the Democratic primary.

“Catalina Cruz is a dynamic, experienced leader who will make her mark on Albany and I am proud to endorse her," Gianaris said. “I look forward to working with her to fix the MTA, deliver more affordable housing, and finally pass the DREAM Act.”

State Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Aravella Simotas endorsed Catalina Cruz for State Assembly at a press conference in Jackson Heights Monday. // Photo courtesy of the Cruz campaign

Simotas said she looked forward to another woman assuming state office.

“I am thrilled to endorse Catalina Cruz to become the next woman to represent the 39th Assembly District,” Simotas said. “I have worked with Catalina for a long time, and know her to be a fierce advocate for women’s rights, students, immigrants and tenants. She is a very accomplished attorney, a long-time fighter for Queens, and I am proud that she will be joining me in Albany.”

“I am certain that Catalina’s strong voice and intimate experiences as a DREAMer will resonate with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle so that we can finally see the DREAM ACT realized in New York State,” Simotas continued.”