Lander backs Richards for Queens borough president

Councilmember Brad Lander (right) has endorsed Councilmember Donovan Richards (left) for Queens borough president. William Alatriste for the New York City Council

By David Brand

Brooklyn Councilmember Brad Lander has endorsed Donovan Richards in the race for Queens borough president, uniting longtime members of the City Council’s Progressive Caucus who are both seeking higher office.

Lander, a candidate for city comptroller and an outspoken advocate for reducing the budget of the NYPD, highlighted Richards’ efforts to reform the police department as chair of the Council’s Committee on Public Safety.

“Donovan has been a consistent leader in the fight for justice in policing, and he was one of the first members, even before the killing of George Floyd, to call for a budget with real cuts to the NYPD,” Lander said. 

Lander becomes the latest Brooklyn lawmaker to back Richards’ bid for Queens borough president. In March, leaders of the Brooklyn Democratic Party joined forces with their longtime political rivals, the Queens County Democratic Party, by publicly endorsing Richards.

Four other candidates are running in the June 23 Democratic primary for Queens Borough President: Councilmember Costa Constantinides, former Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, retired NYPD Sergeant Anthony Miranda and Flushing tech consultant Dao Yin.

Early voting begins June 13.