James endorses Brannan for Bay Ridge’s council seat

July 14, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Public Advocate Letitia James marched with Justin Brannan and the Bay Ridge Democrats in the Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade earlier this year. Photo by Teri Brennan

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Public Advocate Letitia James has weighed in on the closely watched race for outgoing Councilmember Vincent Gentile’s seat in Southwest Brooklyn. And she is throwing her support behind Gentile’s chief of staff.

James has announced her endorsement of Justin Brannan in the Democratic Primary in the race for the 43rd Council District (Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Bensonhurst).

“Justin Brannan is just the kind of fighter South Brooklyn needs in the City Council; someone who is ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work on any issue no matter how large or small,” James said in a statement. “Time and again, Justin has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to improving his community and fighting for progressive causes, both through his work for Councilmember Gentile and as a community leader.”

“It’s an honor to earn the support of Public Advocate Letitia James. Public Advocate James has been a leading voice in so many critical issues, from ensuring our children have the sound public school education they deserve, to fighting for improved transportation in our community and the rights of tenants,” Brannan said.

The endorsement of James marks the highest profile city official to be supporting Brannan.

The Council race is not the first time that the Democratic candidate and the trailblazing citywide official have met on the campaign trail.

Brannan endorsed James, a former councilmember, when she first ran for public advocate in 2013. Since then, James has made several appearances in Bay Ridge, marching alongside members of Brannan’s club, the Bay Ridge Democrats, in parades and speaking at local functions.

Brannan is running against fellow Democrats Kevin Peter Carroll, Rev. Khader El-Yateem and Nancy Tong in the Sept. 12 primary to secure the party’s nomination to run for the Council seat. Gentile, a Democrat who has been in office since 2003, is prohibited from running for re-election due to the city’s term-limits law.

Gentile is backing Brannan in the Council race.

There is also a Republican primary on Sept. 12. The candidates are Bob Capano, Liam McCabe and John Quaglione.

The general election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

In another campaign-related development, Brannan’s campaign recently announced that he planned to file 2,811 signatures on nominating petitions with the Board of Elections, a number that is highly likely to secure a place on the ballot for him. According to election rules, 450 signatures are required.

The large number of petition signatures also keeps Brannan on par with El-Yateem, who last week announced that he had filed 2,850.