Judge Lippman Weighs in on Queens DA Race

Judge Jonathan Lippman, former chief judge of the Court of Appeals, endorsed Rory Lancman for Queens District Attorney. AP Photo.

By David Brand

The man tasked with reforming New York City’s criminal justice system has weighed in on the Queens District Attorney’s race, throwing his support behind Councilmember Rory Lancman.

Judge Jonathan Lippman, who leads the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform which recommended closing Rikers Island jails, praised Lancman’s experience as an attorney and politician.

Lippman, former chief judge of the Court of Appeals, also commended Lancman’s commitment to closing Rikers jails.

“The criminal justice system is complex and resistant to change, but Rory has been able to push through the clutter and noise and make a real difference by thinking out of the box on criminal justice issues,” Lippman said. “Rory Lancman will be a great Queens District Attorney. I look forward to continuing to work with him on these important issues in the years ahead.”

The first three candidates to announce their candidacies have each highlighted their diverse endorsements over the past several months.

Borough President Melinda Katz has garnered endorsements from various labor unions and community leaders, including LIFE Camp Inc. founder Erica Ford. Former Judge Gregory Lasak has lined up support from the New York State Court Officers Association and the New York State Court Clerks Association.

Other candidates for Queens DA include public defender Tiffany Cabán, former prosecutor Betty Lugo, former Civilian Complaint Review Board Director Mina Malik and State Attorney General’s Office prosecutor Jose Nieves.