WFP endorses three more Queens council candidates, including in District 24 special
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The WFP endorsed Moumita Ahmed ahead of the Feb. 2 special election in Queen’s District 24. Photo via the campaign
By David Brand
The Working Families Party rolled out its latest batch of city council endorsements Monday, backing three Queens progressives, including a candidate in the Feb. 2 special election to replace Rory Lancman.
The WFP endorsed organizer Moumita Ahmed in the eight-candidate race in Council District 24, which includes Kew Gardens Hills, Jamaica Hills and Briarwood. The seat opened last month when Lancman took a job in Gov. Cuomo’s Administration, triggering New York City’s first test of ranked-choice voting.
The progressive third-party, which provides organizing, canvassing and campaign support for its chosen candidates, also backed Jaslin Kaur in Northeast Queens’ District 23 — a seat currently held by Councilmember Barry Grodenchik, who declined to seek reelection — and Harold Miller in Southeast Queens’ District 27. That seat is held by term-limited Councilmember I. Daneek Miller.
New York Working Families Party Director Sochie Nnaemeka said Ahmed, Kaur and Harold Miller earned the endorsements after proving their commitment to immigrants’ rights and school equity while remaining active in the communities they hope to represent.
“Our city suffers from deep, structural inequity and injustice, and we need bold, progressive leaders to tackle it head on. That’s why the WFP is throwing down in City Council races in every corner of every borough—and today, we’re proud to welcome these three Queens candidates to our movement,” Nnaemeka said.
Kaur, a Glen Oaks native, is an activist and advocate for the rights of survivors of sexual violence. Last month, she received an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America. District 23 covers Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens and Glen Oaks.
Miller serves as campaign manager for New York City’s Test and Trace Corps. He has also worked as deputy commissioner for Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Community Affairs Unit and a field director for New York Communities for Change. District 27 includes Cambria Heights, St. Albans and Hollis.
In September, the Working Families Party announced its support for 12 other council candidates, including four from Queens.
The WFP endorsed Juan Ardila in his bid to unseat Councilmber Robert Holden in District 30, which includes Ridgewood, Glendale, Maspeth and Middle Village. Holden is one of three Queens councilmembers running for reelection.
The progressive party is also backing former Queens District Attorney candidate Tiffany Cabán in the race for an open seat in Astoria’s District 22; Aleda Gagarin in the contest for District 29, which includes Forest Hills and Rego Park; and Felicia Singh in her bid to flip South Queens’ District 32 for the Democratic Party.
The New York City Council primaries are June 22, 2021.
