Catalina Cruz endorses Brian Benjamin for comptroller

District 39 Assemblymember Catalina Cruz endorsed State Sen. Brian Benjamin for comptroller. Photo via NY Senate

Assemblymember Catalina Cruz has endorsed Brian Benjamin for New York City comptroller, capping off a whirlwind week of endorsements from Queens legislators ahead of the June 22 primary.

Cruz, who represents Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, said that the Manhattan state senator’s lived experience both personally and professionally make him “the most experienced and most qualified candidate in the race.”

“He is a dedicated public servant who has fought for our most vulnerable communities and never took no for an answer,” Cruz said in a statement. “I am proud to endorse him for New York City Comptroller today.”

Cruz said Benjamin’s background as the child of immigrants make him ideally suited to represent the interests of Queens’ diverse population.

“He understands districts like mine here in Queens, meaning he will prioritize minorities and communities of color from Harlem to the Bronx to Brooklyn and beyond,” she added. “Brian’s coalition of support from across the city is stronger than ever.”

Benjamin’s diverse support from the borough includes his recent endorsements by State Sens. James Sanders Jr. and John Liu, whose district overlaps with comptroller candidate and Queens representative David Weprin.

Liu — who was comptroller in 2010 — said Benjamin’s academic history, professional accomplishments, activism, and work as the chairperson of the State Senate’s Committee on Revenue and Budget “provide him with unique skills and insight for the position.”